K&N revisited

dpuckett · 06-28-2003, 01:10 AM

My mom has a 93 D350 with about 225K. I bought it with 135K, didnt like the way the auto pulled 10K lbs, and she bought it, because her left ankle could not handle the constant clutching of the 86 F150 she had at the time. I had put a K&N filter on it (the DOdge) at about 140K, and had no problems with its filtering. Last fall, I was doing an oil change for her, and after reading some of the threads, decided to check the inside of the intake hose. Sure enough, there was a fine layer of dust. Hoping it was just a sealing problem, I took everything apart, reassembled it, sealing all connections with silicone caulking, to ENSURE no dust could get around.

CHanged exhaust housings today. Noticed a film of dust, and the turbo- to- intercooler elbow had a layer of dust and oil. I am 97% sure it is a bad filter. But, I cleaned it today, and am letting it air dry tonight. In the AM, Iam going to clean out the hose, reoil the filter, and put it back in. Now, I also sent an email to K&N, telling them of the situation, and will hopefully get a response by monday or Tuesday. How hard are they to deal with for warranty issues? I would like a refund, just for the simple fact I am out the money, and want to go to the competition or back to paper filters. If they offer a new filter, I will have to look inside hte intake hose on my 91 to see how it is. THere are a few spots on Mom's filter where bugs have been sucked into the airstream, and dented the aluminum screen a little, but there is no evidence of media damage. THe K&N in our 6.9 N-A Ford filtered well. 20K and not a speck of dirt through it. Does the CTD just suck too much air for the filter to handle, or did I just get a lemon? From the looks of warranty return requirements on their website, we may just be out the money, and have a nice 1/4mi rifle target now.
Is AFE any better? How bout a BHAF with a prefilter? The parts stores around here in 1/2-ton-gasserville want $35 to 40 for the filter. Seems like I remember the last Geno's catalog asking <30 for one.
Thanks,
Daniel