Well I decided to clean my K&N filter. I got it all cleaned up and was thinking, why does the K&N filter need oil but the filters that come with the cold air system do not? I know the oil catched more of the dust and dirt, but one would think the oil will restrict air flow. Should there be any concerns with not applying oil to my K&N before I re-install?


Any members have any experience or thoughts on this?

 

But they do. At least the first gen AEM CAI uses a K&N filter on the end. It is oiled from the factory and you are to clean it periodically. This involves oiling it. Also, the Comptech CAI uses a foam filter. This also requires it be re-oiled at cleaning time. It comes oiled as well.
These filters came oiled and that's the way they work. Without the oil, the mesh size of the filter medium is too big to trap all the bad particles that can get into your engine. You will reduce the life of your oil and ultimately, the life of your engine.
It is only recently that K&N has developed a new generation of air filters that can be cleaned and DO NOT require oiling. The design of these are not like that of the previous generation of filters.

 

 

Thanks as always xviper.