Volvo AWD XC Forum

Hello Gents,

I'm getting ready to have my sister in law's car serviced but am trying to do all I can. I just don't feel comfortable changing out timing belt and tensioner on her car

Among other things, I cleaned the air filter first in kerosene, then in the kitchen sink with soap and water. It's a metallic K&N unit drying after it's wash.

I have liquid air filter oil I use for foam filters but I don't have any spray on stuff. Is there a way I can properly apply my liquid to this metallic filter, or do I leave the filter dry which doesn't sound right.

Thanks,

Marty Wolfson

K&N filters are pretty good, they allow more air to go through the filter faster than the cloth/paper filters. The problem is the delema you are now facing: over oil and you screw up the MAF/AMM by coating it with oil, not enough oil will allow dust to go through the filter.

Do not use a dry K&N filter. If you have an empty spray bottle lying around, clean it out and use it. Then dry off the excess with a shop cloth or an air gun (preferred).
There is no way you can add oil safely and evenly by pouring it on and wiping it down. I used to just buy a new filter, just so I didn't have to go through the aggrevation.

Besides the cost, the OEM cloth filters are very effective if you replace them annually.

Klaus
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Common sense trumps a PhD

Hi Klaus,

Just came inside to replace the battery on my auto meter and checked the BB. Thanks for the quick response.

I have a spray bottle I use for water that I suppose I could donate to the cause. I have two kinds of air filter oil left over from my motorcycle days that I use to oil up the lawnmower foam filters. The Bel-ray stuff has too high viscosity while this Silkolene stuff could prob be put in a spray bottle. Maybe cut it a little with some brake cleaner to make it spray better?

Sounds like this is going to be a seat of the pants endeavor. You know, things would have been a lot easier with a throwaway paper filter. I don't have air but I can put the thing next to a big fan on high, like I did to dry it out after washing. And I think I will just "oil" up the outside surface.

How's that sound?

Marty

Use as little oil as possible, the filter wants to be moist, not even damp.

Klaus
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Common sense trumps a PhD

Hi Klaus,

I cleaned the filter and left it for Pete, my cranky mechanic to oil

My spray bottle didn't aerosolize the filter oil. It just squirted out of the nozzle end. I knew that wouldn't work. So I left it for Pete to do on Monday when we bring the car in. I've got a pretty lengthy list because a lot of the maintenance has been neglected.

We have a 99 V-70 that I've done most of the work on but this 2002 XC seems much more involved + it's not my car to monkey with. I don't think driving it the 20 miles to the shop w/o filter oil is going to harm anything. Plus I'm not running off to the dealer to purchase an oiling kit for her car.

Thanks for you and Will's help.

Marty

One cleaner or oil is probably as good as another, but K&N specifically cautions against using anything other than their cleaner and oil. The K&N Filter "Recharger" kit costs lest than $20. If you're that concerned over oiling the filter then I suggest just buying that. It should last at least 2-3 cleanings. FWIW, the K&N oil comes in an aerosol spray can.

Regards,
Will
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