I fitted a K&N panel filter to my car about 5000 miles ago and now I'm wondering... how often should I clean the thing?

There didn't seem to be any indication with the filter itself so am I to assume that I clean it at whatever interval my original filter should have been cleaned? I used to halve the filter interval and replace it every 10k, would it be wise/necessary to clean this one that often?

Thanks in advance

I have the same one and checked it after 5k and it looked like new. Will probs just check it at every service (10k), but it wont harm to check every 5k and give it a pat down but re--oil at 10k.

I would personally clean and re oil it every 10k or every service. But If you drive i a dusty environment then check every 5K. Remember do not over oil the filter or you may kill your MAF sensor.

Excellent, thanks for the advice.

Cleaning a K&N too often will ruin it. There's no need to do it until the dirt is level with the metal mesh.

http://www.knfilters.com/faq.htm#4

I do a visual inspection every 5k, and run a vacuum cleaner over the surfaces and the inside of the filter box. As said, don't clean it too often and be sparing with any oil you re-apply.

Steve

Given it took three of us to get the one I had on the Octy into it's space (front wheel well) I never actually got around to cleaning it. Heck I don't even know if it was on after the test drive

Cleaning a K&N too often will ruin it. There's no need to do it until the dirt is level with the metal mesh.

K&N Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Thanks for the link to the K&N website. This of course is American and the term "mileage" means miles per gallon.

Thanks for that link. Cleaning too often was a worry. Our hoover (yeah I know its not the same but bear with me :P ) needs its filters to be washed every month and now just 6 months on they are looking a bit worse for ware. Lifetime filters my eye.

The airbox lid does seem to be my nemesis so not having to keep getting in there too often is a bonus :P

Colin- my one is a panel filter but that post did make me smile. I have an image of some young ruffians thieving it in the middle of the night and replacing it with a sock held on with an elastic band and you being none the wiser :P

Thanks for that link. Cleaning too often was a worry. Our hoover (yeah I know its not the same but bear with me :P ) needs its filters to be washed every month and now just 6 months on they are looking a bit worse for ware. Lifetime filters my eye.

The airbox lid does seem to be my nemesis so not having to keep getting in there too often is a bonus :P

Colin- my one is a panel filter but that post did make me smile. I have an image of some young ruffians thieving it in the middle of the night and replacing it with a sock held on with an elastic band and you being none the wiser :P

:rofl:

Very good