Hi everyone. I just had to replace me Mass Flow Sensor on my '98 Camaro. Not a difficult job but I was told by my mechanic that what cause the MFS to go out was the oil from the K&N filter. The oil hits the wires the hot sensor wires on the MFS and cakes on to them, causing the unit to fail. He also has a K&N on his 3.8l supercharge Buick which he has to replace.

I never here of this before until now. I really don't know what truth is in it, but I'm going back to a high flow paper air filter. I'm to the understanding that this applies to are vehicles with a MFS near the filter.

I just wanted to share! Sharing is caring.

 

This has been known fo a long time, but it really depends on how much oil you use on the filter. Personally, I like to use a good quality paper filter and be done with it when it gets dirty. On a drag strip I found no measurable performance difference between a clean K&N and a clean paper filter.

 

paper is not a good idea for the cai, can get damp down there when its raining. and yes as pete sayin if over oiled is can ruin a maf, if done right it should not effect it. after cleaning and recharge of oil your supposed to drain the filter for a day, at least overnight, thats usually the most common mistake.

 

The oil from a K & N filter does not ruin the MAF. This has been tested time and time again from independents as well as K & N and every test as proven against the claims saying their oil hurts the MAF. Excessive oil may ruin it, but like said, if done correctly, you shouldn't have any problems.

 

Ummmmmm.......the way the filter hangs on this car, it's already in the drain down position! Wait a while to drive it, I'll buy that.
My brother has a TP Cruiser with a K&N filter. He knows he doesn't over oil it. It took quite a number of years, but it did finally cake up his IAT sensor to make it throw a code. Didn't hurt it, MAF cleaner cleaned er right up. So yes, all you need is a tiny particle at a time, and it adds up.

 

I actually find this kinda funny someone posted this when we just got "brochures" at work about this "claimed" problem, both one from K & N themselves, and a independent company.

 

I have been using K&N filters for 15+ years now and I have yet to have any problems with them. But I have replaced IAT and MAF sensors from customer cars that were killed by over oiled reusable filters. When I re-oil my K&N filters I spray a light coat of oil on and let it sit for a while. The oil will soak into the rest of the filter and give it a proper coating. This is done best if the filter is completely dry of water when re-oiling.

Massey