K&N Air Filter

[cowboy1111]

I had my Excursion at the Ford dealership last week for some troubleshooting. I installed a K&N air filter about a year ago. When I picked the truck up, the Service Manager told me that Ford recommends NOT installing a K&N filter. It seems that the airflow is so high through the filter that it actually sucks most of the oil through the filter. This reduces the efficiency (effectiveness) of the filter at capturing dirt and particles. This dirt then passes through the filter and tears up the turbo. He highly recommended replacing it with a conventional filter.

In all honesty, I feel somewhat foolish in not recognizing this as a potential problem because I am a mechanical engineer that works in the air filtration industry, although mainly in industrial applications. Theoretically, what he says makes sense. I've already replaced it.

[MR.BIGHILLBILLY74]

Ya the k & n filters are known to do more damage to the truck then helping it! Best advice is that anyone who has a k & n filter is to get rid of it and goto something else! My buddy put one in his '00 f350 and it actually let things get passed it and chip pit his turbo!

[stump0331]

yep, i did the same thing got the filter before i did the research

[outlaw07]

Somebody posted a test article here a couple of months ago on air filters. K&N was the worst for stuff getting through. That's probable why they flow so well. If you only run your truck on the road you might get away with it. I believe Amsoil was a close second for letting dust through.


Jay

[mschn99]

alls i have to say is i woudnt run a K&N on my lawnmower IF it was a diesel lawnmower.....they dont filter nearly well enough for a high compression motor

[99Smokin73Stroker]

exactly. Keep good clean air in it, try ford's AIS severe duty kit.

[F-350MAN]

what do you guys think about the DIY on the 7.3