K/N Air Filter

JMA375HH · Oct 28, 2006

Would like to install a K/N air filter on my tc33da can this be done. and if so what one would i use. any help would be great.
thx

DieselPower · Oct 28, 2006

Personally I would never use a gauze filter. They do not filter as small a particle as your original paper filter does. Yes they are reusable and last longer but they let more dirt into your engine and increase engine wear and shorten life.

KEG · Oct 29, 2006

I have to agree with DeiselPower. There are lots of stories and reviews from the hardcore deisel truck users who question the use of K/N filters. They do let in lots of air, which is what makes for more power, but there is concern that they may allow more particulates through.

FWIW, I would stick with the manufacturer's recommended filter.

KEG

larso1 · Oct 29, 2006

Check out the current below in the Yanmar forum. This is exactly what was done on that tractor. I think the big warning from diesel engine mfrs. is related to turbos which have extremely tight clearances and of course high speeds. I question the web site with the so-called controlled tests of paper filters vs gauze types. These guys can have a conflict of interest, i.e., their dad is an executive in one of the paper filter companies or their company has a large stock interest, etc. or other axe to grind. This won't be revealed in one of these "controlled test series." And I think most of us know how easily test results can be skewed (or worse) to obtain the results wanted. Just want people to be wary of any web sites showing test results that were performed by some unknown person who had "access to commercial test equipment" and decided to conduct their own tests and post the results.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/yanmar/89787-improved-yanmar-air-intake.html#post1005433

DieselPower · Oct 29, 2006

larso1 said:
Check out the current below in the Yanmar forum. This is exactly what was done on that tractor. I think the big warning from diesel engine mfrs. is related to turbos which have extremely tight clearances and of course high speeds. I question the web site with the so-called controlled tests of paper filters vs gauze types. These guys can have a conflict of interest, i.e., their dad is an executive in one of the paper filter companies or their company has a large stock interest, etc. or other axe to grind. This won't be revealed in one of these "controlled test series." And I think most of us know how easily test results can be skewed (or worse) to obtain the results wanted. Just want people to be wary of any web sites showing test results that were performed by some unknown person who had "access to commercial test equipment" and decided to conduct their own tests and post the results.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/yanmar/89787-improved-yanmar-air-intake.html#post1005433

Couldn't agree more.

Here's a test I challenge anyone who uses K&N filters to do. Take out your filter and take a white paper towel and wipe the inlet pipe. See how much dirt is on the towel. Now try the same test but on a vehicle with the factory paper filter. Hmm, almost no sign's of dirt on the paper towel.

Just because a filter last longer does not necessarily mean it's a better filter.

If you really want a better system buy a aftermarket filter housing from a filter company like Fleetguard (International Truck's filter line) and just pick one with a larger filter element and maybe even a primary and secondary filter type system. Biger filter = more surface area = better flow = longer lasting filter. Best of all you can get replacement filters at the International truck dealership parts counter or NAPA store.

JerryG · Oct 29, 2006

DieselPower said:
Here's a test I challenge anyone who uses K&N filters to do. Take out your filter and take a white paper towel and wipe the inlet pipe. See how much dirt is on the towel. Now try the same test but on a vehicle with the factory paper filter. Hmm, almost no sign's of dirt on the paper towel.

Just because a filter last longer does not necessarily mean it's a better filter.

I know several that have done that very test with a K&N filter. The thin coat of dust would not make much difference in a racing engine that puts very few miles on between rebuilds, but with the longevity demanded from diesel engines I would chose a high quality paper filter.

Doc_Bob · Oct 29, 2006

My gut says stick with the OEM filter.
Bob

larso1 · Oct 29, 2006

Well, I can see I'm being ganged up on. I would like to have some definitive test results since I've been running K&N on my car and motorcycle for a long time. It also occurs to me that Gale Banks provides K&N style cone filters on all(?) of his intake kits. Now, I know he's all about air flow and power, but he also couples these with his turbo kits. Why would he take a chance on injuring his reputation by providing a $50 cone filter on his mega-buck turbo systems if it wasn't safe? If there is a danger of shortening the life of his turbos, you wouldn't think he would take the chance on having to replace those units on a premature basis. And they certainly aren't for racing applications in most cases. So, I just wrote him an e-mail asking that very question. Hopefully he will return with an answer.

Bill

WilliamBos · Oct 29, 2006

Hey,

Honestly, Gale Banks is not a guru of the diesel world. He builds them run run a pass or two, and if they blow up, people come and buy more of his over hyped crap. He wins by promoting parts like K&N because if it shortens the life, he hopes that you will buy more of his products. In the world of diesels, gasser parts like K&N just wont cut it. I personally will not buy anything from GB, or K&N for that matter.

JMHO

Will

larso1 said:
Well, I can see I'm being ganged up on. I would like to have some definitive test results since I've been running K&N on my car and motorcycle for a long time. It also occurs to me that Gale Banks provides K&N style cone filters on all(?) of his intake kits. Now, I know he's all about air flow and power, but he also couples these with his turbo kits. Why would he take a chance on injuring his reputation by providing a $50 cone filter on his mega-buck turbo systems if it wasn't safe? If there is a danger of shortening the life of his turbos, you wouldn't think he would take the chance on having to replace those units on a premature basis. And they certainly aren't for racing applications in most cases. So, I just wrote him an e-mail asking that very question. Hopefully he will return with an answer.

Bill

RickB · Oct 30, 2006

A consistent theme to the replies does not mean you are getting "ganged up on". How many K&N filter systems are designed for off-road equipment? How much stuff does Banks design for strictly off-road applications? Banks (or anyone else) won't willingly sell components that self-destruct under warranty. Beyond warranty, anything can be fair game.