K&N air filter for Sprinters
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If you're in the market for a new MAS (Mass Airflow Sensor), or are looking for a good excuse to buy one, then a K&N air filter is a good choice, because it will require you to buy a new MAS within weeks.
A new Air Mass Sensor is about $375.
The K&N air filters tend to not really filter the air all that well, something that isn't quite as critical on a gas or racing engine, but becomes a problem with diesel engines, especially TDI (Turbo Direct Injection) diesel engines. The purported increase in horsepower isn't there, and they allow a lot of fine dirt particles which, along with a film of oil, tend to accumulate in the turbo charger and the Air Mass Sensor. When the MAS is coated with oil, it will miscalculate the necessary airflow, resulting in far too much or far too little air being sucked into the engine.
In addition to coating the MAS with oil and grit, some of that grit gets through, and oil analysis usually shows an increase in wear metals and contaminants when switching from OEM paper filters to oiled reusable filters on TDI engines. (This information comes to me from my discussions with those at Blackstone Labs (oil analysis) from my dealer Sprinter Tech, and from the TDI forums.)
The TDI Forums has many discussions regarding the K&N air filter, with all of them reporting the same problems.
The recmmendations of my Sprinter tech coincide with that of the TDI community, which is use an OEM filter and change it every 30,000 miles, or if you use a heavy duty filter, about every 50,000 miles. And if you've experienced particularly dusty conditions, like driving through a dust storm in south Texas, change it out early.
A new Air Mass Sensor is about $375.
The K&N air filters tend to not really filter the air all that well, something that isn't quite as critical on a gas or racing engine, but becomes a problem with diesel engines, especially TDI (Turbo Direct Injection) diesel engines. The purported increase in horsepower isn't there, and they allow a lot of fine dirt particles which, along with a film of oil, tend to accumulate in the turbo charger and the Air Mass Sensor. When the MAS is coated with oil, it will miscalculate the necessary airflow, resulting in far too much or far too little air being sucked into the engine.
In addition to coating the MAS with oil and grit, some of that grit gets through, and oil analysis usually shows an increase in wear metals and contaminants when switching from OEM paper filters to oiled reusable filters on TDI engines. (This information comes to me from my discussions with those at Blackstone Labs (oil analysis) from my dealer Sprinter Tech, and from the TDI forums.)
The TDI Forums has many discussions regarding the K&N air filter, with all of them reporting the same problems.
The recmmendations of my Sprinter tech coincide with that of the TDI community, which is use an OEM filter and change it every 30,000 miles, or if you use a heavy duty filter, about every 50,000 miles. And if you've experienced particularly dusty conditions, like driving through a dust storm in south Texas, change it out early.
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I'v e had a K&N for about a year and a half. No real increase in power or fuel economy. It does sound louder for air intake. Haven't experienced any problems as yet. hopefully no MAF (mass air flow sensor) as here they want over $700 for one plus labor. I've put on over 100,00 miles with it.
I was wondering about the oil in the air channel and there is a note in the sprinter forum on yahoo groups on how to keep the MAF clean so you don't have an early failure. MAF problems were a real hassle for early sprinters but not as much on newer ones (or at least it appeared that way).
So from my viewpoint, no real improvement other than it makes more noise during accelleration. When I was looking for an air filter the dealer must have quoted me wrong as they said it was up around $60 for it (fuel filter up there), but actually they sell them here for $25. If I had got the correct price I would have stuck with originals but I got the K&N on sale anyways.
Rob
I was wondering about the oil in the air channel and there is a note in the sprinter forum on yahoo groups on how to keep the MAF clean so you don't have an early failure. MAF problems were a real hassle for early sprinters but not as much on newer ones (or at least it appeared that way).
So from my viewpoint, no real improvement other than it makes more noise during accelleration. When I was looking for an air filter the dealer must have quoted me wrong as they said it was up around $60 for it (fuel filter up there), but actually they sell them here for $25. If I had got the correct price I would have stuck with originals but I got the K&N on sale anyways.
Rob
P51bombay
Expert Expediter
GM performance parts cold air kits are now coming with dry pleated filters for that exact reason, contaminated MAF sensors. Had the same issue with my Ford Ranger, it had a detonation problem at highway speeds which would go away after spraying the MF sensor with carb cleaner but it would soon come back. Put the stock paper filter back in and no more trouble.
nightcreacher
Veteran Expediter
I run k&n filter on my trans am.I have had it there for the 7 years Ive owned the car.The filter will give you better breathing,which should help your power and fuel mileage.I have had no trouble with mass air,or for that matter anything else.I also gutted the silencer out of the air box for better air flow,I did the same to my 1994 chevy pick up truck.No problem there either
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nightcreacher
Veteran Expediter
Im confused,how does improving your air fuel ratio,get into your oil pan?
Jack_Berry
Moderator Emeritus
what turtle said. i belong to the vw tdi forum and they also say the k&n will increase your air flow but allow unwanted particulates into the engine.
like turtle said not so bad for gassers but potential for expensive repairs in diesels. if you need hp then get it chipped or get bigger nozzles.
like turtle said not so bad for gassers but potential for expensive repairs in diesels. if you need hp then get it chipped or get bigger nozzles.
greg334
Veteran Expediter
I said this before and I got somewhat of a puzzling response when I said it; using the K&N or Amsoil filter will raise the silicone level of you oil. The reason being is that the dust particles don't get flushed out of the cylinder and with the blow by caused by wear on the rings, it ends up in your oil.
I didn't get this from TDI forum and I didn't stay at the holiday inn.
I didn't get this from TDI forum and I didn't stay at the holiday inn.
The K&N flows better cause it filters less. Strain dirty water through cheesecloth or through window screen, which one ended up cleaner? The K&N is the "window screen" of air filters.
Cool sound, maybe some extra air, uggo on the MAF and dusty air.
Any of you with Duramax's, the stock filter flows and filters better than the K&N, just doesn't sound as cool.
Cool sound, maybe some extra air, uggo on the MAF and dusty air.
Any of you with Duramax's, the stock filter flows and filters better than the K&N, just doesn't sound as cool.
hondaking38
Veteran Expediter
had two different harleys first thing we did was changed the exhaust and put on k&n filters....two dirt bikes k&n filters, bought a 350-z last mothers day (for the wife) put on catback exhaust and yepp cold air intake with a snorkel k&n type filter....in every application they had a very noticable horsepower and torque increase none were dynoed just seat of the pants dyno...no problems with any of them on the 350-z i had to unhook the battery for 5 minutes so when i re-started it..so the computer would re-program itself to the additional air intake and output....i wouldnt put one on my sprinter though...it cruises at 64mph just fine...
