K&N Air filter vs Paper: Test results

[Zonaman]

I wanted to see for myself what the difference was between K&N Air filter vs Paper (NAPA). So here's what I did. I ran each filter about 5500 miles then sampled the oil (Mobil 1 10w30) and sent it to a lab for analysis. Here's the particle count results:

K&N
SIZE NUMBER/ML
4 um 37960
6 um 1449
14 um 139
21 um 33
38 um 20
70 um 13

ISO 11171 CODE: 22/18/14

Paper:
SIZE NUMBER/ML
4 um 419920
6 um 4860
14 um 113
21 um 75
38 um 45
70 um 30

ISO 11171 CODE: 23/19/14

If I'm reading this right, the paper filter (which actually had a few hundred less miles on it) was dirtier! Same truck, same driving conditions. Only difference: I was using a Delco oil filter on the K&N and a NAPA Gold oil filter with the paper.

I was really suprised! I expected the opposite results. So it looks like the K&N is superior- at least on my truck. What say you?

[Rick Mills]

Wow....
Hmmmm. I'm running a K&N air filter. This is good to see. Thanks for your efforts

[TP from Cntl PA]

That is the first one I seens that slants towards the K&N............Have friends with diesels and it was the exact opposite.

[Longhorn Man]

yep, every test i've seen..which were all done in controlled environments, show the K&N as being next to worthless.

[71swb4x4]

Since you sent the oil in I am assuming that the particle counts are from the oil correct?

[1BadSS]

It appears to me that the paper filter is superior to the k&n on your truck, as the el-cheapo filter was dirtier, thus it caught more sediment and particles within your oil system.

[Ram-Man]

My daily driver goes faster and better mpg with a K & N only because my wallet is lighter.

[brak]

Originally Posted by Zonaman

Only difference: I was using a Delco oil filter on the K&N and a NAPA Gold oil filter with the paper.

That shouldn't matter.

My buddy works for a company near Forest City Iowa, they make oil filters.

I just learned the other day, that they supply filters to all the major companies (Fram, Napa, purolator, etc), the filters come down the line, and then the outer casing get's painted to the specifications of the brand.

Aparently they all use the same filter, the only difference is the paint job.

[corn]

Interesting. Ive never really heard anything bad about K&N's before. Spent all that money for them in both trucks & had myself believing that those ugly expensive filters looked ok. Now I find out I can put a paper element back in & feel better about the filtering quality & the looks...

[Americanrider]

I noticed a big difference in perfomance with a K&N on my 91 Silverado 350 EFI. No more bogging out on long hills in 5th gear.

[stllookn]

I think someone missed the point. Very interesting results! I ran K&N's on my desert racer for years. The paper air filters resulted in less time between re-ring jobs and more dirt in the inlet passages.

[Longhorn Man]

Originally Posted by brak

That shouldn't matter.

My buddy works for a company near Forest City Iowa, they make oil filters.

I just learned the other day, that they supply filters to all the major companies (Fram, Napa, purolator, etc), the filters come down the line, and then the outer casing get's painted to the specifications of the brand.

Aparently they all use the same filter, the only difference is the paint job.

there is absolutly no way that is acurate. Cut them open...they aren't the same.

[panhandler62]

Originally Posted by 1BadSS

It appears to me that the paper filter is superior to the k&n on your truck, as the el-cheapo filter was dirtier, thus it caught more sediment and particles within your oil system.

It was the oil, not the filter element, that was sampled.

[pkj]

untill i joined this forum i always went k&n. now all i hear is how bad k&n is. where did the K&N does not stop dirt come from? i hade a 5.0 mustang that ran up and down about 10 miles of sandy, red clay road daily for 3 years. i tore the motor down at 114000 miles, it was a waste of time, nothing wrong and showed almost no wear. that car had k&n on it from day 1. pkj

[b&a72]

I also ran a K & N on my truck and when I tore it down to rebulid the engine clean as can be. The same goes for all of my quads I run K&N and not one problem with sucking in dirt even at the sand dunes, mountains, etc.

[andyt]

The only problem I had with a K&N filter was on my Dodge Cummins diesel. The turbo would suck the oil out of the filter and gunk up the blades on the turbine wheel. After I found this happening, I went back with a big paper filter. Just my .02.
AndyT

[b&a72]

If the filter is oiled to much that will happen I have had a couple of buddies have that problem until I saw them spray the oil on the filter it only takes a very thin coat.

[boraxman]

I have had good results with K&N filters over the years. Proper maintenance will yeild proper results.

They hate them on the 4x4 boards.

[CMars45000]

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

there is absolutly no way that is acurate. Cut them open...they aren't the same.

agreed...There is a HUGE difference between the FRAM's and the Wix (well I guess Afinia owns them now so it says Afinia instead of Wix on the filer.)

I personally will not run a K&N air filter. Their oil filters are okay but not worth the extra money in my opinion by any means. I use Napa Gold (Wix aka afinia) on everything I own. Starting to make the switch to Royal Purple too (already switched my DD to Royal Purple and WHAT A DIFFERENCE...)


just my $.02

[Foosified]

amsoil nanofibre air filter is supposed to be the chit! amsoil teamed up with donaldson (heavy duty diesel industry) to produce light vehicle air filters.

https://www.amsoil.com/StoreFront/eaf.aspx
http://www.donaldson.com/

Problem with K&N is it's made of cotton... Cotton shrinks when wet... so you have to make sure it is properly dried and oiled before reuse when just cleaned

[Zonaman]

Originally Posted by 71swb4x4

Since you sent the oil in I am assuming that the particle counts are from the oil correct?

Correct, the particle counts are from oil samples. As I said, I was surprised. A bunch of very experienced contributers to this forum are adamant about K&N's and the amount of particles that get through. I have no reason to doubt their experience. Longhorn Man points out the controlled tests he's seen support the idea that these things speed up ring wear. Still others have been into their blocks and report no appreciable wear!

I am fascinated by this. All I can say is that I'll contiune to take oil samples- this time with the same oil filter. To be sure this is not a controlled environment but it is real life, everyday, on the truck I drive. A few more tests should produce a reliable picture. I'll be sure to post results so you guys can scratch your heads along with me.

One side bar. My tests showed a moderately high lead count (around 90 ppm on each test) I have around 25000 on that engine. Bearing wear I presume. I occasionaly haul a 1000 pound trailer in 100+ degree heat. Other than that, every day driving. Any ideas on slowing the wear?

Thanks.

[Zonaman]

Originally Posted by Ram-Man

My daily driver goes faster and better mpg with a K & N only because my wallet is lighter.

I've not noticed any difference in mine either in git up & go or mileage. I suppose if I dyno'd the thing I see something.

[Brad]

I'm just curious where you take your oil in to get sampled?

[Zonaman]

Originally Posted by Brad

I'm just curious where you take your oil in to get sampled?

Oil Analysis Labs Inc. There are a bunch of these type labs around.

[bryanw1968]

Originally Posted by CMars45000

agreed...There is a HUGE difference between the FRAM's and the Wix (well I guess Afinia owns them now so it says Afinia instead of Wix on the filer.)

I personally will not run a K&N air filter. Their oil filters are okay but not worth the extra money in my opinion by any means. I use Napa Gold (Wix aka afinia) on everything I own. Starting to make the switch to Royal Purple too (already switched my DD to Royal Purple and WHAT A DIFFERENCE...)


just my $.02

What DIFFERENCE did you notice from the royal purple?