cleaning the k&n fipk

[svt2003cobra]

how often do you all clean them and is it difficult to do? I bought the recharge kit and was just wondering.

 

[64comet]

It is really easy. Just take the filter off and follow the directions on the recharge kit. As far as how often, when it is dirty. Many things make a difference in how often needed, but when you think it needs cleaned, clean it. Only takes a few minutes, let it dry over night and then oil it and reinstall in the morning. :beer:

 

[Thrust]

I clean my filter every six months or so. I usually do it every daylight savings time.

 

[Crowley]

I think it depends on where you live as well .. SO much crap in this Texas air, I bet I clean mine every 3 - 4 months ..

Crowley

 

[SnakeBit]

At each oil change, you should remove the filter and brush out any debris. I use a nice painter's brush (unused of course) and run the brush along the ribs of the filter.

Every 12-15,000 would be the clean/re-oil time frame I have always used. When I re-oil (after it has dried off good), I spray (not too heavy on the spraying, just a light coat) then let it sit overnight, wipe off any excess oil which has dripped then install. After about a week or two, it would be a good idea to spray the MAF element with an electrical contact cleaner in case some oil builds up on the MAF wire. No need to clean/re-oil too often.

 

[CobraBob]

At each oil change, you should remove the filter and brush out any debris. I use a nice painter's brush (unused of course) and run the brush along the ribs of the filter.

Every 12-15,000 would be the clean/re-oil time frame I have always used. When I re-oil (after it has dried off good), I spray (not too heavy on the spraying, just a light coat) then let it sit overnight, wipe off any excess oil which has dripped then install. After about a week or two, it would be a good idea to spray the MAF element with an electrical contact cleaner in case some oil builds up on the MAF wire. No need to clean/re-oil too often.

EXCELLENT comments and instructions. I especially like your recommendation to (A) be careful not of over-oil the element, and (B) check the MAF wire after a week. The issue of oil building up on the wire is more likely to occur when the filter is over-oiled. I also think once a year is sufficient for the average driver.

I'd like to toss out a suggestion. It would be better to perform maintenance of any type by the mileage vs. using a seasonal time stamp like DST. Keep a Maintenance Log on your computer or use the one in the back of your Owners Manual. I especially like the computer version because you can check it reguarly and put upcoming maintenance on a computerized calendar such as the one found in Microsoft Outlook. Just a thought.

Here is a GREAT software product that will do all of the above for you, and more. And it's only $39.95 for the desktop version. Check out the Scheduled Maintenance screen. A great way to not only record your maintenance, but it even tracks fuel economy and alerts you when scheduled maintenance is coming up. Kind of like a Quicken version of auto maintenance. I'd highly recommend checking it out. Here's the link.
http://www.carcaresoftware.com/mobile/top_intro.htm

 

[BigBeez03]

I've never cleaned mine, my car has probably 8k miles on it since I installed. where do I get the "recharge" kit?

 

[svt2003cobra]

I've never cleaned mine, my car has probably 8k miles on it since I installed. where do I get the "recharge" kit?

I got mine at Walmart for about $9

 

[venum03]

What oil do you guys recommend spraying on the filter after cleaning?...

 

[SnakeBit]

Get the Recharge Kit. I have found them where ever they sell K&N Filters. It comes with the cleaner and the oil.