I was offered a K$N intake for my truck for free. My question is Ive heard that sometimes they mess up your MAF. What are the chances. Ive never owned one and have no idea what the upkeep is on them. any input would be nice.

 

upkeep is clean them when they are dirty, just buy a cleaning kit and follow the instructions. Don't over oil the filter and you'll be fine, but if it is running weird, all it takes is cleaning the MAF with some electrical cleaner and you're fine.

People that have problems with their MAF getting oiled is usually a self inflicted problem

 

X2

 

The K&N will pass more dirt (and oil) than the OEM paper filter, and can gum up your IAC valve, throttle body, AND MAF sensor. And since there is no
performance advantage, why would you want to dump dirt into your engine?
In addition to that, it pulls in HOT air, where the OEM setup is a true CAI.

Here is a post from Rich (wydopnthrtl), and he is a aftermarket intake "FAN":

I'm a big fan of aftermarket intake kits. (have one on my Ranger) But only because of high rpm power increases. If your not interested in 5000+ rpms.. don't waste your money.

You won't see a MPG increase as compaired to a properly working OEM setup.
You will *likely* increase the amount of grit entering the intake.
You very well might have the warrenty denied.
And your pretty much waisting money for a daily driver.


And check out this recent thread on K&N intakes:

https://www.ranger-forums.com/forum2...ad.php?t=73737

 

I have been running a cone K&N FIPK II for a year and then some now; never ever had a problem.. just do the standard upkeep.. clean yoru maf every now and then, and the filter as well.. just like you would do normally with a paper filter.

 

My 1999 is getting ready to turn 160K miles, and I've only used Purolator, or Motorcraft OEM filters, and I've never had to clean my MAF sensor, IAC valve, or throttle body.

 

Bob throws in little things which are simply false (aka "lies"). A properly oiled filter will not "gum up" the parts. They do allow more grit to get by.. but it's not enough to hurt the motor within 150k miles IMO.

He has quoted me properly but throws in these little lies to make his point of staying stock seem *credible*.
Unless your at high rpms quite often.. you won't gain anything. But if you do like to get it into the 4000+ rpm area? Then it most definately improves power. I even datalogged this to prove it.

Rich

 

This is the lie! The tuner method you used to dalalog has been PROVEN

to be VERY INACCURATE!!!

And if it didn't gum things up, why do you have to clean your MAF sensor and throttle body so often? "grit" should not stick to the MAF sensor, or throttle body!!!

Talk about lies, one time you post 5000+ RPMs, and now it's 4000+ RPMS, which is it?

 

Way to go Rich, you started the mess again by calling me a liar!!!!!

 

He's right.

 

Listen to people that have actual experience with these products.

I have had K&N on four different cars with no problem. The twin turbos on my RX7 never pulled oil from the K&N filters even when running 14 PSI.

 

You will have no problems unless you do not care for it correctly. Had mine for 8 years and never had a problem. Paper filter works well also I just prefer the K&N.

 

I've used K & N filters since 1988. 1st was on a 1984 Mazda B2000 with a weber carb. Sold that truck with 150000 miles( family got bigger.) 2nd truck 91 nissan hardbody , sold that one after 175000 miles, now have 2 rangers with k & n filters. Never had the 1st moments problem related to the K & N. I did compression checks on the mazda and Nissan , both were well with in tolerance. I inspect my filters every 2 months or so clean as them as needed.

 

Harley Davidson puts K&Ns on for you. Scream'in Eagle replacement air cleaner.

 

I have a k & n filter. No problems with it. Over 25,000 miles on it. Had one in my mustang before selling it. If you are the type of person to do routine maintenance like me and I am sure many others in here. Cleaning things like the maf or throttle body are on my occasional list of thinggs to clean. With or without a k & n. I always like to keep this as clean as possible. If I have the hood popped for one thing. It doesnt take long to clean a few more things around the engine bay. Plus they do flow better than stock. So technically over a long period of time. Many many miles, it will benefit you in the long run. Saving you the price of changing the stock filters plus gas. Just matters how much you like to work on and clean your truck.

 

Avoid over oiling and you should be fine. I personally don't recommend using the open K&N air intakes but if you do just avoid over-oiling and you'll be ok.

Design and intention of the product is excellent, just not personally sure about the open end in a engine bay.