In the oil filter industry, K&N is a popular name. They are known for making oil filters for motorcycles, cars, boats, and a wide range of heavy-duty applications.
Their oil filters are a top choice for many vehicle owners. These filters are, however, not entirely flawless. They do have their drawbacks. And that’s what we are going to discuss today.
If you plan on buying a K&N oil filter, familiarizing yourself with these issues will ensure you know what to expect and the ideal course of action to take when you run into K&N oil filter problems.
Table of Contents
Common K&N Oil Filter Problems
1. K&N Oil Filter Failure
If you visit race tracks, you will see that some of them have banned the use of K&N oil filters. When you ask around, you will be told that it’s because they have a high failure rate.
From 2016 to around 2018, the reputation of K&N oil filters was terrible. Their filters blow off easily, and that’s why some people keep off these filters to date.
According to K&N, they did resolve this issue and even made a recall that we will discuss in detail later on. For those who were victims of such, there is a good chance that they won’t be using K&N oil filters ever again.
There is nothing much you can do to prevent this. The only way is to look for a better quality filter from another brand.
2. Leakages
The internet is full of reports where K&N oil filters start to leak prematurely even before reaching their recommended lifespan.
These leaks often occur under the 1-inch stamped nut that is located towards the end of the filter. This nut makes it easy to remove the filter.
Leaking is one of the biggest problems with most low-quality oil filters. And driving around with a car or motorcycle that is leaking oil is quite dangerous.
K&N oil filter leaking issues have been quite rampant in the past few years, with some even leaking straight out of the box.
When contacted and made aware of this issue, rarely gives any useful feedback. This is one of the leading reasons why many car owners switch from K&N oil filters to FRAM.
Even though the latter also experiences leakages, it doesn’t happen as frequently as K&N oil filters. If your K&N oil filter starts to leak before the expected service date, do not hesitate to contact the company for a replacement filter.
3. Cracks in the Oil Filter Housing
A K&N oil filter isn’t the most durable engine accessory. That’s why you should tighten it using your hands. Applying too much pressure when tightening the oil filter bolt welded on the housing can force it to crack.
This will be the source of leaks. Other than cracking, the welded bolt that tightens the oil filter can at times become faulty.
This happens when the housing becomes too hot because of engine oil. It can burn through the bolt and create a tiny hole that starts to leak oil.
You can prevent cracking the oil filter housing by tightening the bolt gently using your hands. If you spot a crack or hole in the housing, there isn’t much you can do other than replace the entire thing.
Has K&N Ever Made a Recall for Its Oil Filters?
K&N has made a recall for KN-204C Chrome and KN 204 black oil filters that were made between 1st March 2016 and 30 September 2016.
The reason for the recall was that the filters made during this duration leaked oil around the nut area, which is welded there to make it easy to remove the filter during oil changes.
Car owners were advised to confirm if the oil filters they have matched this description. They were asked to look for codes on the filter.
As long as the code was written 3H, 4H to 9H, you were requested to return it and get a replacement. The 3 stands for March, and the H stands for the year 2016.
K&N oil filters manufactured from February 2016 going backward, and those made from November 2016 going forward were not part of this recall because they didn’t have this problem.
The problem with this recall is that it tainted the reputation of K&N oil filters in one way or another. Those who were already victims of the leakages switched to other brands.
And despite the company’s attempt to mediate this issue through recalls, the damage was already done.
Fast forward to 2021, K&N oil filters are still a popular choice amongst car owners and mechanics. However, their filters are known not to be the most reliable.
Are K&N Oil Filters Generally Bad?
Other than the leaking, cracking, and inability to last for the recommended period, K&N oil filters aren’t entirely terrible. They do have their advantages. Here are some of the benefits of buying a K&N oil filter.
1. In 2016, K&N oil filters had a high failure rate, and that’s why they were banned in most races. To show you how serious this was, any rider whose oil filter would blow off and interfere with the race would be penalized.
Five years later, K&N fixed this issue when they recalled, and recently the reports of K&N oil filter failure are relatively low. A good number of people use K&N oil filters and haven’t faced any of the above problems. This is an indication they are reliable.
2. K&N oil filters are the easiest to install and remove. The only tools you will need to install or remove this filter are your hands.
This makes servicing your vehicle a simple procedure that you can easily do by yourself. These filters are also ideal to use in engines whose filters are located in hard-to-reach areas.
3. There have been many reports that the K&N oil filters do a commendable job of ensuring the engine oil is clean. On cars that use this filter, during service, the oil often comes out clean and smooth. A clear indication that the filter is doing its job to perfection.
Diagnosing K&N Oil Filter Problems
If you are having problems with your K&N oil filter, there will be some warning signs. The oil filter plays a key role in engine performance.
Therefore if it’s malfunctioning, you should be able to realize it easily. Whether there is a crack on the K&N filter and it’s leaking, or it has failed, here are some warning signs that should alert you;
Overheating of the Engine
When an oil filter fails, it prevents oil from getting into the engine, or if it’s leaking, it drains all the oil in the reserve, leaving the engine dry.
When this happens, the friction between the metal parts causes the engine to overheat. When this happens, the check engine light should switch on automatically.
Reduced Engine Performance
If all of a sudden your engine’s performance reduces, then you should check the condition of your filter.
A failing oil filter will let residue pass through, and as a result, the engine will get clogged and won’t perform as it usually does. Reduced engine performance will most likely affect the acceleration of the vehicle.
Heavy Exhaust Fumes
A damaged oil filter will lead to clogging of the engine. And what this does is cause the production of heavy exhaust fumes. Another warning sign of a problematic K&N oil filter is the presence of a gray or blue substance in the exhaust.
Low Oil Pressure Notification
In cars with a pressure gauge, if the oil filter is leaking, it will indicate that.
Production of Metallic Noises
A leaking oil filter will deny the engine oil needed to lubricate the moving parts. Because it is dry, you will start hearing clicking metal noises. A smart driver should always be conscious of the sounds coming from the vehicle.
If you notice any of the above signs, inspect the condition of your oil filter. Despite being a small object, the oil filter can cause significant damage to a car’s essential components, such as the engine. Also, do not forget to change the oil filter during every service.
What Should I Do If My K&N Oil Filter Is Faulty?
K&N oil filters come with a warranty that covers defects in the product’s materials and workmanship. They will not offer compensation if the filter is damaged due to improper use or if the damage occurs during transportation, storage, and installation.
The warranty lasts for a lifetime. When you contact them, they can either repair, replace, or refund your money. It all depends on the terms of the warranty.
How Long Should I Change the K&N Oil Filter?
Unlike regular filters, these are designed to last for a significantly long period. You should change a K&N Oil Filter after every 10,000 miles.
Despite being designed to last for long intervals, experts recommend regular inspection of the filter because not all will reach the 10,000-mile mark. You may run into some of the above problems even before this period lapses.
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