I snagged this post off ls2.com. Nothing new here if you've paid attention to JeffY's comments over the years. My two cents... use the SLP Donaldson. It flows better, fits better, and you wont have to deal with the following:
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The following is a memo from GM stating the use of rechargeable air filters may cause transmission shift problems, engine driveability problems & SES Light On problems (throwing codes). It also states these problems will NOT be covered under warranty. Yes, in part of the memo, it states "excessively oiled" filters. But for the most part, it reads any use of this type of filter & these issues won't be covered. I just figured some of you might want to know so you can throw a paper filter in if you take your car in for a problem.
SERVICE - ALL BUICK, CADILLAC, CHEVROLET, GMC TRUCK, ISUZU, OLDSMOBILE, PONTIAC AND HUMMER DEALERS
Subject: A/T Shift, Engine Driveability Concerns or SES Light On as a Result of the Installation of an Aftermarket Reusable, Excessively Oiled Air Filter -- 2004 and Prior Cars and Lt Duty Trucks and 2003-2004 HUMMER H2 Message #: VSS20040056
Corporate Bulletin Number 04-07-30-013 will be available in SI on March 18, 2004.
Automatic Transmission Shift, Engine Driveability Concerns or Service Engine Soon (SES) Light On as a Result of the Installation of an Aftermarket Reusable, Excessively Oiled Air Filter
Models: 2004 and All Prior Cars and Light Duty Trucks 2003-2004 HUMMER H2
DO THIS First, Inspect the vehicle for a reusable aftermarket excessively oiled air filter
DON'T DO THIS DO NOT repair under warranty if concerns result from the use of a reusable aftermarket oiled air filter.
The installation of an aftermarket reusable, oiled air filter may result in:
1. Service Engine Soon (SES) Light On
2. Transmission shift concerns, slipping and damaged clutch(es) or band(s)
3. Engine driveability concerns, poor acceleration from a stop, limited engine RPM range
The oil that is used on these air filter elements may be transferred onto the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor causing contamination of the sensor. As a result, the Grams per Second (GPS) signal from the MAF may be low and any or all of the concerns listed above may occur.
When servicing a vehicle with any of these concerns, be sure to check for the presence of an aftermarket reusable, excessively oiled air filter. The MAF, GPS reading should be compared to a like vehicle with a OEM air box and filter under the same driving conditions to verify the concern.
Transmission or engine driveability concerns that are the result of the installation of an aftermarket reusable, excessively oiled air filter are not considered to be warrantable repair items.
[ 17. March 2004, 09:53 PM: Message edited by: chrisL ]
Posted by ReBop (Member # 1871) on :
I ran K&N filters on both my car and truck but switched back to cheap, disposable filters awhile back. I think the cheapies provide better performance and the claims by the rechargable filter companies are a myth.
I hope this doesn't start a riot here on the board!
Posted by FireChicken (Member # 2067) on :
No riot here, but my driving habits and conditions would require me to spend a fortune on paper filters. I use the K&N because its more economical. Also, I understand where the performance gain comes from, and while it may be over-rated as far as HP gained, it is a very real gain, and thats good enough for me. Also, the higher power output allows the engine to drive the car on a lower amount of power (theoretically), which in turn should reduce engine wear (theoretically). It makes enough sense that it doesnt hurt, and with the reduced cost for operating a daily driver in my circumstance, it doesnt hurt, but Im also careful to let my filter dry for 24-48 hours before I re-install it. JMHO
BTW: chris, thank you for posting this. Very valuable information for most of us here.
[ 18. March 2004, 02:18 AM: Message edited by: FireChicken ]
Posted by ss_rs_z (Member # 1888) on :
Thanks Chris. I am going to purchase some more Danoldson filters from SLP. Posted by 2002Z4CSS (Member # 1393) on :
Sounds like that message is prejudging that you will have a Service Engine Soon light on from a mass air sensor concern. A number of things can set a Service Engine Soon light.
Posted by 35TH ED/ed (Member # 1709) on :
I was on the fence about the K & N filters and didnt order it along with the Air lid the other day. I had the same concerns about the oil. I put 8K on the SS last year and that was with it being a daily driver for most of the summer. This year it will be less.
[ 18. March 2004, 06:20 AM: Message edited by: 35TH ED/ed ]
Posted by Doug Harden (Member # 1796) on :
This is nothing really new....even K&N warns against over oiling.
I've heard lots of guys complain after a filter cleaning about oiling up the MAF. You don't have to soak it to make it work.
That being said....it does give the dealers yet ONE MORE reason to deny warranty work.......I'd replace it when I took it in for service.
[ 18. March 2004, 06:36 AM: Message edited by: Doug Harden ]
Posted by Dave99SSC221 (Member # 224) on :
I was getting the SES light on in stock condition and could sometimes make it go away by just running the car through the gears in full power and when I reset the light it wouldn't come on again for months, this light is very sensitive. I have a K&N and have only cleaned it once and the filter sat for 2 to 3 days before I put it back in the car which to me makes sence to do. I also have other mods [read sign.] and if I don't let the car get to the operating temp. before i give it just a bit beyond normal the ses light will come on because i will get a little back fire from the exhaust. GM has enough problems making work what they put into their cars so they can pick on many things to cover up their problems. They will probably also have a problem with spark-plugs and any after market thing you buy.
Posted by SS_CarGuy (Member # 2065) on :
What I find very disconcerting is the relationship between these filters and slippages in automatic transmissions. I would guess "sensor contanimation" has something to do with it but it would be nice to get a decent explanation from GM. If you have an automatic and there is a chance of damaging it, that would be reason enough not to use an oiled filter.........but it would be good to know why for sure.
[ 18. March 2004, 07:20 AM: Message edited by: SS_CarGuy ]
Posted by Steven2000SS (Member # 780) on :
Dont overoil your filters and you will be fine.. How long has K&N been in business???
Also, how can a K&N screw up your automatic transmission?
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