Air Filter cleaning

[thomaslchen]

I was just browsing around M3F last night and I read a few threads about cleaning the MAF and the air filter. I haven't done this since I got my intake a while ago so I figured I should do it. I saw that CRC is the best thing to use to clean the MAF.

My question is, what should I use to clean my air filter and how do I do it? I have an AFE intake and I have found this:

https://www.shopatron.com/product/pa...90-50001/534.0

It doesnt really give much info on it though. Can anyone explain the process of cleaning it?

[Orange fever]

just buy a new one ??
or just water it down and put it outside in the sun.....

[marioalex24]

so hosing it with water wont damage it?

[thomaslchen]

Well, a new one is about $70. The cleaning kit is only $10. I have also read about dry filter vs oiled filter? Any idea about this?

[Laidback]

Buy the K&N cleaning and recharging kit (iirc forum sponsor EAS has it) spray it with the cleeaner and let it air dry for a few minutes when it's completely dry spary it with recharging kit (note: do not over oil (Less is better) is as it will foul you MAFS) just enough and let it sit for awhile before putting it back on...

Originally Posted by thomaslchen

Well, a new one is about $70. The cleaning kit is only $10. I have also read about dry filter vs oiled filter? Any idea about this?

[MarqE46]

Good info. I still have my K&N cleaning/recharging kit I used from my old car, and will using it on my Streamline panel filter. For optimum performance, I'd spray some CRC electrical cleaner on the maf sensor every or every other oil change as it gets fouled by the oil from the filter overtime.

[thomaslchen]

How is the K&N cleaning kit different than the AFE filter restore kit?

http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...oducts_id=1176

[AGENT31]

Originally Posted by thomaslchen

I was just browsing around M3F last night and I read a few threads about cleaning the MAF and the air filter. I haven't done this since I got my intake a while ago so I figured I should do it. I saw that CRC is the best thing to use to clean the MAF.

My question is, what should I use to clean my air filter and how do I do it? I have an AFE intake and I have found this:

https://www.shopatron.com/product/pa...90-50001/534.0

It doesnt really give much info on it though. Can anyone explain the process of cleaning it?

AFE oiled filters are just like K&N’s. You don’t need to buy a new one. They’re made to be reusable. Instructions for cleaning/recharging an AFE filter should be the same or very similar to those of a K&N. Here’s how I clean my K&N conical filter in my GruppeM intake…

1.) Remove the filter element from your car.
2.) Tap the filter to knock off any excess gunk/dirt/debris, etc.
3.) Spray it with the cleaning solution and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes.
4.) Rinse it out with luke warm water in your kitchen sink (from the inside (clean) side out). This will clean/flush out all the dirt, grime, and debris that’s accumulated in the pleats. (Don’t apply extra water pressure. A slow stream from the faucet will suffice)
5.) Shake/tap off excess water.
6.) Place it in the sun let it naturally air dry (Might take a couple hours). Don’t use an air compressor or anything to try and speed up the drying time. Using compressed air or a heat gun can damage the filter.
7.) Once the gauze is 100% dry. Spray an even coat of oil over the entire filter media. As stated by Laidback, you don’t want to apply too much, as this may damage the MAF sensor. However, if you don’t use enough, the filter may not catch all the contaminants as it was designed to do.
8.) After you’ve sprayed it with oil, let it sit again for about 20 mins.
9.) Wipe excess oil from plastic trim on filter.
10.) Re-install filter.

Originally Posted by thomaslchen

How is the K&N cleaning kit different than the AFE filter restore kit?

http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...oducts_id=1176

Although K&N’s and AFE’s are similar, I would just use AFE’s cleaning solution and Oil on a AFE filter. They’re basically the same price, so it’s not like you’re saving a bunch of money, or getting extra benefits by using K&N’s stuff. Plus might void the warranty on your AFE filter if you use any other stuff. – That’s just my opinion.

[AGENT31]

Originally Posted by marioalex24

so hosing it with water wont damage it?

On a Re-Usable/Oiled filter, no.

[thomaslchen]

Cool. Hopefully I can clean my filter this weekend.

Thanks for the info!