Air filter question
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New User
Joined: Dec 2007
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Air filter question
I recently bought my 98 Expedition from a guy. He obviously put a K&N filter on, and said he cut open the plastic so, in his words, it got more air. I've done a few searches and saw a few posts on putting open air elements and creating kind of box for it, but I wondered what you guys thought about this? The pictures clearly show what I'm talking about. Basically my problem is this. He said he took good care of it and changed the plugs and things, and it seems to run well but I've been consistently getting around or just under 10 mpg. I do not have a very heavy foot, and pretty much never go over 2 1/2 on the tach, usually trying not to go over 2. Anyway, do you think this "configuration" might cause me to be losing gas mileage, or would it really make a difference? I'm half tempted to buy the stock closed piece and put it back on and see if my mpg go up. Thoughts????
Sick 'n Tired
Joined: May 2006
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From: League City, TX
I had an '01 Expy with an open element K&N air filter (the actual kit, not the cut up stock) and it didn't perform as well due to it sucking hot air from the engine compartment. I'd find a whole stock piece and get rid of the open compartment setup. Or at least clean that filter...it looks real dirty.
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Joined: Aug 2003
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Usually when milage goes way down it is due to bad O2 sensors. Try cleaning and "recharging" the K&N filter (go very light on the oil, just spray once aroung the center and give it time to soak through and permeate the entire element) and find out how old the O2 sensors are. I have bad O2 sensor (and #3cop bad) right now and I'm seeing the same milage. Usually adding a K&N setup (the kit, not just the filter) will get you 1-2mpg better, not worse assuming an engine is running in spec.
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After taking that picture I did clean and re-oil the filter. It did look pretty bad. I was assuming my next steps would be to change the plugs and fuel filter to try and get better mileage. I haven't had the check engine light come on, so I would assume my O2 sensors would be alright.
In the meantime, I guess I'll possibly look see if I can't get the stock piece. I usually assume that if you're just buying a stock filter replacement, that you shouldn't go messing with things like cutting it up to "make more airflow".
In the meantime, I guess I'll possibly look see if I can't get the stock piece. I usually assume that if you're just buying a stock filter replacement, that you shouldn't go messing with things like cutting it up to "make more airflow".
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Joined: Jun 2006
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That filter you have is the filter used as a replacement, I use the same one. The only thing the guy did was got rid of the section that goes to the fire wall. I would be concerned with air leaking by and not getting filtered. I would either put on the right cold air intake or go to the junkyard and pick-up the other section that is supposed to be there.
