Cleaning a K&M permanent AIR FILTER

850forum · Post by **850forum** » 03 Oct 2021, 15:14

Really filthy.
How do I scrape out the debris from the bottom of the pleats?
To deep for a tooth brush, screwdriver sems like it might puncture, and doesn't get the filth out of the screen.

Dipped it in gas to get the bulk of oily scum off of it.

Hard hose spray from the other side? But still very sticky & oily.

Does proper cleaning make it reasonably white again? This is pretty black.
Maybe too far gone to clean.

Post by **FlyingVolvo** » 03 Oct 2021, 16:09

Throw it away and get an OEM filter. You won't notice any difference, and your K&N sounds pretty gross at this point. K&Ns seem to have a reputation for not cleaning as well and possibly fouling MAFs if you overdo the oiling. It's one of those companies that does really well with its marketing and hype.

By the way, the K&Ns start off a sort of maroon color, not white. Not sure that putting it in gas is the right way to clean them.

Post by **scot850** » 03 Oct 2021, 16:22

If it is that bad then chuck it out. Cheaper to replace or as suggested us an OEM version like MANN.

Neil.

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 03 Oct 2021, 17:17

Toss the K&N in the trash and go back to OEM. The K&N will shorten the life span of your engine by letting larger particles through.

K&N air filters are expensive gimmicks with slick and misleading marketing . Stop wasting your money on K&N.

Post by **Blacklab467** » 03 Oct 2021, 20:07

Agreed, lose the K&N and buy a stock filter.

Post by **abscate** » 03 Oct 2021, 20:10

Buy one Volvo filter and the rest are FreeCP……