Hi. Today I discovered that, apparently, nobody had been checking the air filter on my truck when it went in for service, and therefore it was disgusting, and probably needed to be replaced last summer. Regardless, I put a new K&N air filter in it today, and I noticed that under hard, sustained acceleration, it sounds kind of raspy. It seems like it might be the turbo, but it only sounds raspy when the windows are rolled up. Any ideas?

It's a 2003 F250 with a 7.3.

 

Is the K&N a drop in filter? They are notorious for causing the factory air box to not seal well, and will allow air through. This is bad for your turbo! VERY BAD!

Go to autozone, get a new paper filter, and when that one is due for changing get a good aftermarket such as a 6637 or AIS.

The AIS is the only Ford approved aftermarket filter. And they chose a good one. The AIS is some of the best filtering media available.

 

Okay. Do you think that I can return the K&N filter?

 

Depends on your parts store.

How good are you at poker?

 

Not great. It was Carquest. I'll go back tomorrow and see what they say. I purchased it as an opened product, so maybe they'll work with me.

 

Well, that might work against you. A lot of places have no returns on open box items. If not its not the worst thing in the world. You can use the K&N just be VERY careful how it seals.

 

It says on the instructions to use grease to seal it. Do you think that will help?

 

That grease is just gonna end up in the turbo too.

 

Okay. I think I just need to go get a paper filter and not have to worry about it.

 

That sounds like a good plan.