Happy with a K&N air filter?
Stage III
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Victoria BC
K&N HD1717 mount screws issue...
sounds like over tightening is the problem..should be able to just use a dab of medium blue loctite on the 3 bolts until they stop then turn just a tiny more..the center bolt from the OEM air cleaner cover with a dab of loctite will secure the whole assembly in place and nothing should come loose..I've never needed to use loctite on the 3 bolts for OEM filter nor does it instruct to..but maybe the K&N is weak and fragile
Yeah, the filter is definitely frail, especially when compared to the K&N air filter on my '96 Heritage Softail (all metal construction) which has lasted over one and a half decades! I will definitely treat the replacement delicately, if I ever get it.
BTW, I did find a noticeable increase in engine power when the K&N was on.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 679
Likes: 120
From: Fairbanks, AK.
Locking compound can also do strange things to certain plastics like cause them to crack. HD specifically recommends "none" when their plastic rear cylinder heat baffles and some other parts are added that may be subject to contact. Removable Loctite Threadlocker 242 carries the warning "May attack some plastics."
See Limitations: https://dm.henkel-dam.com/is/content...-2018-04-09pdf
Reduce torque when using Loctite: https://www.cycleworld.com/2014/07/2...tening-torque/
See Limitations: https://dm.henkel-dam.com/is/content...-2018-04-09pdf
Reduce torque when using Loctite: https://www.cycleworld.com/2014/07/2...tening-torque/
Last edited by PA1195; Apr 24, 2020 at 11:08 PM.
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 46
Likes: 15
From: Illinois
There is no magic! K&N air filters do flow more air, at the expense of allowing more injested dirt. It's probably not an issue for most street riders who ride on paved roads, but I want my air cleaner to stop as much as possible. If you look at used oil analysis, when you see high silica levels, almost always an oiled cloth filter is used. Best example I've seen is an air cleaner comparison by PROJECT FARM (YouTube). He uses sifted flower to to see how much contamination gets through 4 different filters. K&N is a joke.
Stage III
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Victoria BC
Just to be clear, I used the smallest of my three torque wrenches which uses measurements in in/lbs only (well, that and Nm as well, but I digress...). I phoned the K&N toll free number yesterday and they gave me an email address. I emailed and asked for a replacement filter and am still waiting for a reply. I also suggested they down the torque value in their instructions.
Yeah, the filter is definitely frail, especially when compared to the K&N air filter on my '96 Heritage Softail (all metal construction) which has lasted over one and a half decades! I will definitely treat the replacement delicately, if I ever get it.
BTW, I did find a noticeable increase in engine power when the K&N was on.
Yeah, the filter is definitely frail, especially when compared to the K&N air filter on my '96 Heritage Softail (all metal construction) which has lasted over one and a half decades! I will definitely treat the replacement delicately, if I ever get it.
BTW, I did find a noticeable increase in engine power when the K&N was on.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,642
Likes: 1,985
From: Cleveland Zoo
It seems to me that stuff gets broken and screws get snapped more often when a torque wrench is used.
I use a torque wrench when I feel it is a critical fastener and usually use blue Locktite a lot. Maybe after 50+ years of doing this you get a feel.
I use a torque wrench when I feel it is a critical fastener and usually use blue Locktite a lot. Maybe after 50+ years of doing this you get a feel.
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