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Not impressed with K&N Oil Filters

 
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N41EF
Flying Brick Rider


Joined: 23 Mar 2014
Posts: 406
Location: Aiken, SC

PostPosted: Thu Jul 30, 2015 8:26 pm    Post subject: Not impressed with K&N Oil Filters Reply with quote

First, I'm an engineer by training, and have always been impressed with K&N's oil filters. Significantly hefty feel, the nut on the end to tighten it with, and a reputation for quality.

But the KN-163 is a bunch of crap. I understand the filter in a bath concept and the -163 is anodized with no stickers, almost designed for our application.

I did an oil and filter change tonight, the old filter came off OK (also a -163) and when I went to thread the new one on it wouldn't go. Made a mess, washed hands, tried again still wouldn't go. Turns out the old gasket was stuck to the bike, and it was thick enough to keep the new one from threading on. Once it was off, the new -163 went on, put a 17mm socket on it with a stubby ratchet, it turned maybe an 1/8th turn, then snapped. Actually the nut that was spot welded on snapped off. The problem is the K&N is round, no flutes to use a wrench on.

I'm just not happy with this $13 filter. I drove a large screw driver into it, turned it to get it off, then installed a Bosch 3330 after I peeled the paper sticker off it.

Anybody else have problems with them?
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SugarHillCTD
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Joined: 10 Oct 2007
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Location: Now in Eastern Pennsylvania

PostPosted: Thu Jul 30, 2015 9:33 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Been buying 6 packs of Bosch filters from the Boneyard.

Also Mann fuel filters from there too.
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Scott_Anderson
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Joined: 05 Sep 2006
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Location: Central Iowa, USA

PostPosted: Thu Jul 30, 2015 11:19 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

SugarHillCTD wrote:
Been buying 6 packs of Bosch filters from the Boneyard.


Same here. As well as O-rings and crush washers.
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SugarHillCTD
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Joined: 10 Oct 2007
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Location: Now in Eastern Pennsylvania

PostPosted: Fri Jul 31, 2015 5:44 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Chuck,

Since owning my first K-RS, I have used one of these

http://www.marcparnes.com/BMW_Oil_Filter_Wrench.htm

and avoided filters with the hex on the end.

Haven't had ANY problems yet (knock on wood). This filter wrench is machined aluminum not stamped and really grips.

John
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John Clauss
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Joined: 04 Apr 2003
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Location: Robesonia, PA

PostPosted: Fri Jul 31, 2015 8:16 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

There are not many serious mechanic which will use K&N filters. The oil filters are constructed well on the outside, but do not do a very good filtering job. K&N air filters are considered the plague, because of their high flow they allow more dirt and grit into the engine and promote engine wear.

Not a big deal if you are racing and rebuilding the engine every once and a while anyway, but not for a typical rider/owner.
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beemrdon52
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Joined: 02 Mar 2015
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Location: Las Vegas area

PostPosted: Sat Sep 26, 2015 9:12 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I heard that they are re-branded Fram filters.
Twisted Evil
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SugarHillCTD
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Joined: 10 Oct 2007
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PostPosted: Sun Sep 27, 2015 8:08 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Some are (second paragraph). Interesting article

http://www.calsci.com/motorcycleinfo/Filters.html#OilFilters
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John Clauss
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Joined: 04 Apr 2003
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Location: Robesonia, PA

PostPosted: Mon Sep 28, 2015 9:55 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

SugarHillCTD wrote:
Some are (second paragraph). Interesting article

http://www.calsci.com/motorcycleinfo/Filters.html#OilFilters


I believe this article was written before K & N started selling oil filters. K&N made their fortune in the air filter business. Those filter were advertised to add horsepower by basically filtering less air and allowing more dirt and crud into the engine. I have no idea if K&N oil filters are Fram or not, but if the follow the same philosophy as their air filters, watch out.

Again, no serious mechanics ever recommends K&N filters (air or oil) for any passenger cars or motorcycle. Racing? Different story because you are breaking down and rebuilding the engine every certain number of races anyway. I really do not want to rebuild my car engine if I can avoid it.
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