I bought a BMC filter and opened it up tp let it dry out a bit before installing. In doing research, I have read that these oiled filters damage the MAF. Now I am debating not using it. Anyone have any problems. I guess I can't return it since I opened it.

 

Try washing it and don't re-oil it...worth a try?

 

I put an intake with a K&N filter on my old car and my MAF f*cked up. I did some research and they say that they come soaked in oil so you have to get a tissue, toilet paper or something and dab the excess oil off. try doing that and then leaving it out in the sun for like an hour

 

Use the cleaning product in these kits and don't re-oil (or very lightly oil).:

http://www.autoanything.com/air-filters/20A50343A1.aspx

 

I've used K&N filters on many cars (Tahoe, Vette, 350Z) and never had a MAF problem. Although I have yet to use either K&N or BMC on my 997. I ususally open the filter and let it sit overnight on some newspaper. Most of the problems I believe occur when the filter is re-oiled after cleaning - some folks get heavy handed with the oil.

 

The OIL coating on the filter captures and holds the dirt as the air passes thru. Once the the oil coated surface is covered with dirt particles , it no longer holds them and they pass thru into the engine.

If you clean the filter and do not re-coat it with oil, you may as well leave the filter out.
Also , oil filters are much freer flowing than normal filters and a certain amount of dirt always gets past them.
If you use one, clean it VERY often and recondition it with oil .
Also change your engine oil FREQUENTLY.
( Microscopic dirt particles in the engine oil go right thru the oil filter as well and make a great polishing compound after a while. Lol )

By contrast, in a regular filter ,microscopic fibers capture the dirt and as a result, the passages thru it become smaller and smaller , holding even more and smaller dust particles. In other words, it gets better , the dirtier it gets.
( Of course , it will take more HP to suck the air thru but at least the engine stays clean if you happen to forget to change it )

I would not use an oil type air filter for every day driving .They are OK for occasional trips to the track and will give you a few extra HP.
I would DEFINITELY not use one in very humid weather or during cold weather and I would definitely not use a K&N filter .They are notoriously "free" flowing ( read : more dirt goes past them )

There is a reason why K&N has a large WARNING on their filters, stating that they are to be used only during "mild" weather and not when there is a lot of moisture in the air ( when it's raining)
Oil and water do not mix very well.The water particles in the air (which contain the dirt) DO NOT adhere to the oil film on the filter.
And when it gets cold, the oil viscosity changes and it's subsequently less able to hold the dirt.

At least that how it was explained to me , and it makes a lot of sense.
I have a lot of faith in the person who gave me this explanation and I removed my BMC filter right after the discussion.

Hope this helps, use you own judgement.

 

Let me clarify...sometimes the manufacturer of the oiled filters over oil the filter to add shelf life. Then if you clean and don't re-oil you may still be OK. BTW changing your oil too frequently is not good either see Doug's oil post:

http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforum...d.php?t=249494

 

I have a K&N filter on my BMW - no problems. Better flow, engine breathes easier, better gas mileage, otherwise no noticable performance change. If you don't like to take chances on cleaning and oiling, just buy a new one every year.

 

Why one a year?
I would think that the frequency of air filter changing should depend on how how dusty it is where you live and how much you drive.

 

Blowing a MAF by just installing a BMC filter are very remote.

 

True. My statement was based on a average annual mileage of 12-15K, probabaly what most people would use as a gauge.