K&N Filter Issue...

[Motodrew]

My father owns a 2004 GMC Sierra truck. He purchased a K&N filter a few months ago and recently was experiencing a "Service Engine Soon" light. He took his truck to the local Auto Zone and they read the code "Left Bank Running Lean". He decided to just clear the code and see if it flagged again. Sure enough within a week later the "Service Engine Soon" light lit up again. One more trip to Auto Zone showed yet another "Left Bank Running Lean" code. He then spoke with a good friend who works for the Chevrolet dealership...

Once explaining his condition, his friend asked if my dad had a K&N filter installed. His reasoning behind the conflict starts with the free flowing K&N filter. He believes that a paper filter provides more filtering than the K&N. Also the oil dressing on the K&N filter can coat the MAF sensor and provide a miss-reading for the fuel/air mixtures. He suggested cleaning the MAF sensor with some carb cleaner changing back to paper filter.

Going on 3 weeks since my father completed this process, his truck has yet to show any codes. I know many of us run the K&N and I feel that as a preventive maintanance we should probably clean the MAF sensor with carb cleaner each time we change are oil for instance. I think this will not only keep are cars safe, but also help with better gas mileage possibly.

What you think?

 

[ToddG]

That makes sense to me. The mass airflow (MAF) sensor is a delicate device, so having it coated with a goo-like substance is probably not good and makes the device prone to false readings. I'm wondering if carb cleaner is the appropriate solvent for a sensitive device like this. On the other hand, if your dad used it without any problems, its hard to argue with the result.

Good tip!

 

[Frat-man-du]

That makes sense to me. The mass airflow (MAF) sensor is a delicate device, so having it coated with a goo-like substance is probably not good and makes the device prone to false readings. I'm wondering if carb cleaner is the appropriate solvent for a sensitive device like this. On the other hand, if your dad used it without any problems, its hard to argue with the result.

Good tip!

Carb cleaner is bad for the MAF...at least on Fords - cant say about GM. I got a can of MAF specific cleaner at Ford for $25. I used it all otherwise I would give you the part number. MAX at 5 star might know.