Just how important is it to keep a CAI clean, and how often should it be done. Is it easy, and do I need some sort of kit? Mine is an AEM btw. And what happens if you don't keep it cleaned?

 

Well, I'd imagine you'd lose power, lose MPG, and your car would eventually run like crap. Why would you wanna let it get filthy in the first place?? I'm anal about it, I just take 10 minutes and clean it when I do my oil every 3000 miles. You probably do not need to do it that often, but I figure since I'm under the hood anyways, might as well get er done! I just use the K&N filter cleaning kit. It has the cleaning solution and the filter oil. Works fine with my generic CAI.

 

I've gone maybe 4K mi without having it replaced but when I'm under the hood again to install the RSide headers, I will most definitely clean the filter.

K&N filter cleaning kit? I should grab myself one of those. I assume it is easy to take off the filter? haha.gif

 

1. it would be a bit harder to suck air by engine
2. engine can suck dirty air

 

2kshark- The K&N wont clean a paper filter. I'm assuming that is what you are replacing every 3-4 thousand miles. The kit will clean any K&N style reusable filter. As far as ease of removal, well, its not too bad. The filter got relocated with the CAI to the inside of the drivers side front bumper, so I have to take off the plastic shield under the car to get to it. But, when I change my oil, I'm under the car anyway, so its just a matter of taking a phillips with me when I get under the car. smile.gif

 

It's a good idea to check them whenever you change your oil. My first filter ended up getting a dime sized hole worn in it from the horn, that's when I realized the horn needed to be moved. lol

 

Well, if you don't clean a filter on the end of your CAI, it will affect as much as if you don¿t clean a filter in the airbox (assuming you have a K&N Type in there; I don on my wife's car tongue.gif )
Actually it's as important as it is to replace the filter OEM filter on a 100% OEM car, although the cone filter is less restrictive, it also is more exposed to dirt, so it could get dirtier faster.

 

Ok so when people say oil it after cleaning what do they mean?
Do you HAVE to use some kit?
Can you use some type of motor oil or lubricant instead?

 

Uh, I've got a K&N. wink1.gif

I meant to say 'clean', god knows where I got 'replace' from.

 

use K&N recharge kit, that has shampoo and oil for air filter. both are specialy made for those type of filters