What do I use to clean a K&N air filter?

Closed Thread Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jul 26, 2012 | 06:51 PM

#21

robbie52

Road Warrior

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 1,954

Likes: 148

From: Augusta, GA

Sure just use some brake cleaner and lube with wd-40 and you will be ok. WTF

Jul 26, 2012 | 09:17 PM

#22

Uncle G.

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2010

Posts: 9,332

Likes: 3,871

From: Upstate New York

I believe that the K&N instruction sheet says to clean the air cleaner every 50,000 miles. they actually work better the dirtier they get (within reason, of course).

I clean mine about every 30-40K. No reason to clean it more often than that.

By the way, oil doesn't drip off the air cleaner from over-oiling the element, it drips because the head breathers spit oil. It only takes a few drops to make a huge mess. Even if I didn't oil the filter at all, the filter would be oiled in no time at all from the head breathers.

Jul 27, 2012 | 06:47 AM

#23

LynnSG

Road Captain

Joined: May 2012

Posts: 692

Likes: 0

From: kentucky

K&N makes a cleaner that you spray on, let is sit for a few minutes and then rinse with warm water. Hang it up and let it air dry. We have used it for years with race cars.

Jul 27, 2012 | 06:50 AM

#24

glideridemike

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 8,750

Likes: 261

From: back home in Michigan

I usually check my filter at poil changes and if necessary clean it with the cleaning kit K & N sells. Hell they're only about $11 or $12 and last for several years, so whats the big deal on it being too expensive?? They sell the kit at most discount auto parts joints..........

Jul 27, 2012 | 10:24 AM

#25

kpb46

Road Master

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 902

Likes: 0

From: Michigan/Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by carlgrover

Lucky for you I read this thread.

Get the K&N cleaning kit and use it until the cleaner is gone. It will be empty long before the oil is. Use 409 for the cleaner after that. When the oil runs out, buy another kit.

Thats what I do only I use Greased Lightning

Jul 27, 2012 | 11:52 AM

#26

glideridemike

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 8,750

Likes: 261

From: back home in Michigan

Man I have been running K&N's in my cars and trucks as well as my bikes for near 15 yrs and am still on my first K&N cleaning kit. Have never run out of either the cleaner or the oil and I clean all the filters several times a year. How much cleaner are you all using anyway???

Jul 27, 2012 | 02:12 PM

#27

NSCoyote

Club Member

Joined: Oct 2009

Posts: 7,350

Likes: 4

From: Nova Scotia,Canada

just did mine last night, i use the K&N filter recharging kit costs a whole $14 and shouyld last 3-4 rechargings so for the piece of mind its money well spent.

Jul 27, 2012 | 05:23 PM

#28

mrfikser

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2009

Posts: 2,488

Likes: 30

From: Maryland near DC

I just blow the dirt off mine from the inside with air from the compressor every couple years..you have to do it out in the grass though because it makes a hell of a mess..

HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders