Reusable OIL filter by K&N?

[banzaj]

Who thinks what of these K&N washable oil filters or alike in regard of their filtering ability? Any experience? K&N claim "a substantial increase in oil flow" - I got a funny feeling this is just not right as with the filtering capacity going up, the flow should go down and vice versa. So, any advantages of having it?

 

[MikeInNH]

#1 - A substantial increase in oil flow means to me...it's NOT filtering as well.

#2 - So what it has a substantial increase in oil flow. Does that mean it's BETTER? I would LOVE to see the study on that one.

#3 - I've NEVER EVER used a higher oil flow filter....and I've kept 4 vehicles OVER 300k miles...with ZERO engine problems. One of those vehicles is now approaching 500k miles.

#4 - You pay a premium price for a filter that may improve oil flow..but is questionable as to what that really means.

 

[Martinjmpr]

So what benefit is gained by an "increase in oil flow?" Does a lesser degree of oil flow impede the operation of the engine?

Also, given the less-than-stellar reputation of their air filtering products, I would be wary. I drank the K&N kool aid about 13 years ago when I got my Ford Ranger and noticed absolutely ZERO performance gains. Not only that, instead of having an easy-to-replace and cheap paper air cleaner, I had a much more expensive and messy needs-to-be-oiled-and-cleaned foam air cleaner. Doesn't seem like a good idea.

Oil filters are cheap. Just get a decent disposable filter and call it good.

 

[stevec5000]

Who thinks what of these K&N washable oil filters or alike in regard of their filtering ability? Any experience? K&N claim "a substantial increase in oil flow" - I got a funny feeling this is just not right as with the filtering capacity going up, the flow should go down and vice versa. So, any advantages of having it?

This antiquated filter design from the '30's was replaced by modern disposable filter cartridges in use today. They actually work the same except for the mess when you have to replace the filter element. Do you really want to take apart an oily, messy filter housing to replace the filter inside? Think about it.

 

[MikeInNH]

This antiquated filter design from the '30's was replaced by modern disposable filter cartridges in use today.

And manufacturers are going back to the older filter design.

My wifes 07 Lexus has one. The housing of the filter....you unscrew it like a cartridge filter...but you then drain out the oil...and replace the filter element inside. A lot messier but far less material is being sent to the landfill.

 

[<<<<]

I can't imagine manufacturers care about landfills and waste. It is cheaper to make OEM cartrige than whole old OEM filter units.

 

[MikeInNH]

I can't imagine manufacturers care about landfills and waste. It is cheaper to make OEM cartrige than whole old OEM filter units.

I don't think so. All you have to make now is the filter element. The Lexus is made in Japan and they have a WORSE land-fill problem then the US. And since the Lexus made in Japan is sold there also then it might be a mandate from Japan.

 

[banzaj]

I guess, it's just about marketing then - I really couldn't think of a single practical reason to switch. Froogle quotes more than $200 for this thing - you'd literally have to spend 10-15 years just to get even with the cost of the regular filters over the time, so I just thought - hey, what's the deal here then?! As for the cartridge type filters - aren't the last gen 4Runners also equipped with them?

 

[stevec5000]

I guess, it's just about marketing then - I really couldn't think of a single practical reason to switch. Froogle quotes more than $200 for this thing - you'd literally have to spend 10-15 years just to get even with the cost of the regular filters over the time, so I just thought - hey, what's the deal here then?! As for the cartridge type filters - aren't the last gen 4Runners also equipped with them?

Can you throw that one in the trash and install a regular screw on cartridge? Motorcycles used to come with replaceable filter elements in the 60's and 70's but when cartridges became popular they all switched to the more modern cartridges and some adapters were made for older bikes so screw on cartridges could be installed. I installed one of those on my '79 Yamaha. Maybe a similar adapter is available for Toyotas?

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I personally prefer the removable cartridge better than I like the new replaceble elements.

Seen them on the Bimmers for years and Toyota has been doing it almost a decade now on our cars. Too much for someone to easily screw up on, think double gasketing is bad? Almost every Toyota that comes in with a canister filter, those housing are tightened WAY too much. i.e. I have to use a 1/2" breaker bar to crack them loose, not to mention most people forget to replace the o-ring, or install it improperly so it leaks.

Just easier to have a removable cartridge to toss out.