K&N Filter on F-150

[revman23]

Hey guys, I have a 2009 F-150 XLT that I'm planning on keeping for another 10 years or so. I've been looking at K&N filters since they are rechargeable. Does anyone have input on the STOCK filter (not planning on getting the cold air intake)? Pros and cons to the oiled filter? Changes in mpg?

Thanks for the info!

 

[volcano buster]

I ran one in my '03 for 167K and my '08 for 153K. I opted to stay with the stock paper type filter in my '12. Currently at 46K and I don't have the dust/dirt in the throttle bodies like I did with the K&N. I was pretty religious about keeping them cleaned and oiled, but for long term use, I didn't like the fact that they were allowing contaminants through the media. I work out in the woods so that is a higher dust area, but I wasn't impressed. I didn't see any difference in power or mileage either.

 

[Jaynelson]

I wouldn't expect to see any appreciable difference in power or mileage just by changing from one filter type to another.

 

[milehighassassin]

I'd avoid the K&N filter if it were me. They tend to allow more airflow but that also means more dirt into the airstream.

 

[winter4ever]

I put one on my 08 a couple of years ago just to try it. Haven't had to clean it yet but it is probably due (don't drive in a lot of dusty conditions). It is still very clean on the intake side of the filter so I wouldn't be worried about it letting anything through. I think it must let more air through because the truck now has that whistle sound (at low rpm) that some pickups get with the complete cold air intake kits, and it didn't do that before. But like the other guys said, not really sure if it did anything for mileage or power.

If you get one make sure you don't over oil it after you clean it. I think I may have over oiled on my old f150 because i had a mass airflow go out twice and I'm fairly certain it was the K&N filter oil.

Overall not a big gamble at 50 bucks, plus it will last the life of the truck.

 

[Goinboardin]

My truck had one in when I bought it (96' F150) back in 04' and I'm still running that same filter. Really don't think there was much to gain for mpg but its nice to never buy an air filter. Just wash it in hot soapy water, dry, oil, good to go. I haven't looked at my throttle bodies though..

 

[SSWIM]

Don't spend the money. Not worth it.
Sam

 

[metcalf]

Stay with stock if you want good filtration. K&N are not good for real dirty conditions. If I could find the study about it I would post it. The study had used a product like talcum powder as the media to be filtered. Long story short the K&N was letting the real super fine stuff through. If I find the study again I will post it up.

 

[Sled Idaho]

I've used a K&N on my 07 F-150 SuperCrew w/ 5.4L with no issues for ~75,000 miles. I don't remember noticing any differences in HP/response/mileage/etc. when I put it in. I like that I can take it in the house and clean it myself instead of buying a new one every 10-15,000 miles. It's holding up well after cleaning/recharging 5-6 times. I will keep using them in the future, but that's just me. Honestly can't give you any reason to use one or not use one; for me it's personal preference.