So I keep reading that oiled air filters will mess up your vehicle. Can someone explain to me what gets messed up using a oiled air filter and how will that effect the vehicles performance. Also is there anything that can prevent a oiled air filter from messing up the system.

 

The oil can and will make MAF sensor readings inaccurate and can wick into the electronics of said sensor essentially taking it to an early grave. That's before it gets into the intake manifold. from there it'll stick around "literally" and accumulate dirt/crud and create air flow concerns. Don't believe the hype they are selling.

Stick with a dry panel filter.
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I use an oiled filter on one of my Mustangs. Serviced regularly AND correctly there is no detrimental effect to the MAF.
My son and I have dyno tested dry vs. oiled filters and there is no power difference so unless you drive a lot in dusty conditions, a dry filter is perfectly fine.

Brad

 

In addition to the MAF ... the throttle body (reference)

 

AEM DRYFLOW FTW. That is all.

 

Oil from the filter is only a problem if you apply significantly more than necessary. And it only affects the MAF operation, UNTIL it's properly cleaned off, using the proper cleaner & method (don't just blast it with carb cleaner). Everything else in the intake & engine normally gets MUCH MORE oil just from the PCV system. So the TB, intake manifold, & any sensors there are always covered with more oil than could ever come from any air filter.

So if you follow the instructions, a high-quality oiled filter will do at least as good a job as (if not better than) a high-quality dry filter.


(phone app link)

 

IF you feel you have to use an oiled air filter (honestly don't know why you would) be careful that you do not over oil it.

Keep in mind there ZERO advantages to having one, only disadvantages. Claiming they will save you money over time is the best argument to use one and also the worst at the same time.
Why you would use an air filter that could possibly create an issue to save a couple of $$'s over several years makes no cents. (pun intended)

For every reason there is you can't really beat the OEM filter. KISS

 

The engine that STILL uses the filter in my pic is approaching a million miles without a rebuild, and still runs like new. I measured a small but appreciable increase in torque immediately after swapping to the drop-in K&N (decades ago). There was another when I insulated the fresh-air ducts (around the same time).


(phone app link)

I agree that there's nothing wrong with a direct-replacement air filter, and it won't hurt the engine to use one. But I disagree that there's NO advantage to a K&N - it's a SMALL/TINY/MINUSCULE advantage with some risk, but still an advantage.

 

It depends on your perspective. If you ask me I would prefer a dry one.

 

I use an oiled filter on my motorcycle, simple system no electronics other than the ignition system and a basic carb. The reason is my carb is jetted for higher air flow with a modified air box and exhaust. There is definitely a benefit with those modifications but sitting stock it would be a waste of $$$
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