k and n air filter caused mass airflow sensor to go bad? - Diesel Forum

abendx · 04-08-2002, 03:51 PM

so.... i had my check engine light go solid and the truck would not hold an idle.....

so i took it into the dealer and the mass airflow sensor was bad.

they are claiming that the k and n filter's oil had dripped into the sensor and caused it to go bad.... an out of warranty problem that will cause me a 400+ dollar bill!

can this be true?

HeavyAssault · 04-08-2002, 04:59 PM

I would ask K&N if they have had this happen. I've heard people say this about K&N filters(urban legend). Reminds me to replace it with a paper one when getting serviced.

abendx · 04-08-2002, 05:28 PM

i have tried to contact k&n and they have not yet gotten back to me.... but i did notice on their web site the have a faq and one of the entries regards this... they basically say it is not their fault that yo the consumer had over oiled their filter.... yet in my case, i had jsut installed the filter from the box..... pre-oiled as they come from k&n!

the dealer just called me and is being helpful.... they will replace the MAS under warranty if i get rid of teh k&n and go back to a stock setup.

i wonder if the fipk would work ok with a stock paper filter or would i lose the benefit of teh k&n?

HeavyAssault · 04-08-2002, 05:40 PM

Do you use the GEN II kit with the new tube??

Tell the dealer what he wants to hear, Bro. Get your MAF fixed then figure out the rest. Set it up again later if you want. I'm running a modded factory filter housing with the K&N drop-in.

Manx · 04-08-2002, 05:43 PM

Just tell them yeah I'll put the stock box on
When you get it home just change it out
There is a problem if you over oil them,
But I doubt that was your problem and I think the dealer might
realize that also now.
I had 600 miles on my truck when it did that
I thought it might have been the K&N filter that I had put in
It came from my old truck and I had just washed it and oiled it
myself. I took it out before it went to the dealers and poped it
back in after they fixed it. It's been fine ever sense then
It worked fine in the old truck for 30,000 miles also

abendx · 04-08-2002, 05:47 PM

well... when the dealer called me and told me the prob... they were cool... i told them i'd go change back and bring it back... they said fine.... then they called back and tld me they'd fix if i promised to go hoem and change back to the stock setup..... which i will!

yes.. it is the FIPK GEN II system that i have.

this really sucks! [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

DJR 17 · 04-08-2002, 07:49 PM

Thats why I don't use the oil. They say the oil is what catches the dirt, but it also restricts the air, and gums everything up.

abendx · 04-08-2002, 09:28 PM

djr17.... u use the k&n without oil? i thought the oil was what did the filtering.

monsta · 04-08-2002, 09:35 PM

Hey Brad...I'll buy yer FIPK from you now...you don't want that thing! Too many problems! Just let it go cheap! I'll put in the good word with my sister! She's a 28 year old lawyer you know!!!!! Single, Loaded & Lonely...LOL

monsta@excursionowners.com

DJR 17 · 04-08-2002, 10:39 PM

Yep, no oil. Just wash it and let it dry. I know the oil catches more dirt, but it will eventually cause problems.

abendx · 04-09-2002, 12:25 AM

djr17... is it safe to do that? are you sure???

monsta..... hummm, well, if i do decide to let it go... she is yours bro. now... to your sister.... 27 loaded and lonely.... do tell me more! [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

f250hd22 · 04-09-2002, 01:51 AM

I hope the FIPK isn't the culprit. I have had mine on for about 300 or so and no problems yet. I tossed my stock intake and filter box. I guess time will tell. Rick

V10 man · 04-09-2002, 02:45 AM

The trick I read is to use a q-tip and windex to clean the sensor. Many folks have had this problem. You're lucky to have an understanding dealer. I have about 110,000 total miles on my K&N, never a problem. I have had extra oil laying in the filter housing. MY cleaning process takes a couple days. I give it a good washing, then let it dry. I then oil it and let it sit for a day then re-oil any weak looking areas. I don't know how K&N factory oils the filters. My buddy bought one for his 96 Chebby and a month later he had oil running down his fender! BTW, those 2-3 days when I'm running a paper filter I can tell the difference!

f250hd22 · 04-09-2002, 02:49 AM

Just looked up the cost for my intake that I tossed. Around 300 bucks to buy. Mine wasn't very oily from the factory, so I am hoping my MAF doesn't bite the dust. Rick

abendx · 04-09-2002, 10:36 AM

well.... the k&n fipk is surely the culprit here. i have no doubt as the following would prove to back it up.....

- FAQ entry on k&n's website.
- oil contamination could have only come from the filter.
- ford tech talked with me at length about this.... saying ford and k&n have been going round and round on this.... and since chevy has moved to a MAS, they have started to see problems too. he seemed to this that the k&n did provide for imporved throtle response and slight hp increases, but not enough to warrant the purchase price.... i asked about cleaning the MAS and he said ford did not recommend it but eluded to that it could be done.... but with a stern warning that if i left the k&n on and my MAS went bad again, they wouldn't warranty the work again (fair imo).

now, i wish i could find a paper screw in that would fit the k&n fipk... the ford tech seemed to think that this could be a compromise..... not as good as the k&n filter, but some of the benefits would still be seen.

djr17 seems to think taht an un-oiled filter would work fine... but i question teh logic of this since i always thought the oil was the barrier with these filters? (no offense to you djr17, but i am trying to understand and figure my best route).

so.... tonight i will pull the fipk and go back to stock until i can get some answers out of k&n (interestingly they refuse to call me back / answer my e-mails?).

f250hd22.... mine as i remember was not very oily either... as i remember, i checked it to see if it was properly oiled (as i use the filters in my motorcycles)... it all looked good to me.