Hey, I sure could use your opinions. I've read some of the other threads regarding air filters -- paper, K&N, Amsoil, etc. I live in the country on a gravel road, so most of the time the road conditions are either extremely dusty or muddy. Because of extensive travel with my job, I have to change my oil about every 5 or 6 weeks. I use one of those franchise lube places and the guys do a pretty good job of checking things out and each time I go in, here they come carrying the air filter, telling me it's dirty and needs replacing. I was thinking of getting a K&N but read that smaller dust particles can pass through and do damage. I also read about the Amsoil Ae type and thought this might be the one. I just would like one I can clean myself and not have to buy a new air filter with every oil change. In the past, I've told them to just blow it out and put it back in but last month they told me they could not do that anymore. My '98 Dodge Ram 2500 diesel has had no conversions, just original equipment. This is a very elementary question for the vast majority of you, but I'm just a gal that loves diesel trucks, so please help me out guys. Thanks!!

 

I run an AEM connical style filter on my truck. It is their dryflow filter and I have been happy with it for the last 2 years, I just use a bucket of soapy water to clean it, and I believe they have a lifetime warranty, and from the research that I did before I bought it, it appeared to be one of the better filtering ones out there, and since it requires no oil, most of the time I just smack it on the tire to knock the dust and dirt out of it. It was about $50 from Jegs. Good luck

 

I run an AFE system that is like a K&N and have had no problems with it. Just keep in mind that K&N has been around on motorcycles and atvs which live in the dust and dirt for ever... I am a firm believer in the product, and run them on everything. I clean it only 2 times a year, but take my time doing it and oil it correctly ( spray can how hard is that). They even make a "filter skin" that is a breathable waterproof sock that goes on the out side to make the cleaning even easier. The box even says that the dirtier it gets, it still does not loose airflow like a paper kind. To each his/her own...

 

Thank you both for your opinions. Really helps.

 

As for our filters, I think they work pretty well. We also have the prefilters as mentioned above. I think they can play a big role in making the filter last longer.

 

Just don't use compressed air to blow filters out. The fine stream of air can damage the filter media, and will compress the pleats. The only way to get rid of heavy dust is as already described to give it some smacks to get rid of the coarse particles.

Do not experiment with filter medias.
I'm sorry to tell you that fine particles about 1 micron do the most damage in the cylinder liner and piston ring.
They cause the so called Avalanche effect.
These fine dust particles are also very abrasive on turbo wheels.
Just ask the turbo mechanics. They will show you a bunch of wasted turbine wheels in their drawers.
Those fine particles have an impact speed compareable with a tiny small grenade acting like a file.

I have always difficulties when I hear about reusable filter media.
The filter media has to be cleaned. Cleaning has to be done with the right cleaners and in the correct way.
Cleaner costs also money. Cleaning costs time. Is it worth it to clean a filter media and not being able to check the usability of the filter?

I always buy a bunch of replacement filters and I get a pretty good price on them.
(there more you buy, the less you pay) It's not worth the hassle to clean them.
Everybody tries to squezze out every bit of usable performance. I did too.


Do really want to gain a couple of hp and waste your engine. Good airflow is important to gain power. But do not neglect good filtration.