I was always under the impression that the reusable air filters flowed more air but didn’t filter the air as well as a dry element so I had always stayed away with my ecodiesel because I operate my truck in dusty conditions.
I talked to someone at Banks Power and they claim that their reusable filters flow 5% more air when compared to an OEM air filter and they filter equally as well.
The air intake on the ecodiesels are not terribly restrictive so I don’t think you would see much of an increase in MPG or power. I am not talking about a cold air intake system but rather using a reusable filter in the stock air box. I have no clue if you did the whole cold air intake.
I was exploring this option more as a cost savings possibility. I have to change my air filter when I change my oil , air filters are about $30, I average 10,000 miles every 6 weeks so I have looked at it as a way to save a little money but haven’t decided to do it or not.
I still worry about dusting out my engine. I am still on the fence on this one but if I do, I would go the Banks Power direction over K&N.
K&N is notorious for not filtering well, with oil analysis showing a high silica content. Most think the stock filter flows plenty well for our small turbo.
Thanks for input guys! Knowledgeable and quick responses. I like this forum so much better than the last one I was part of (ecodieselram.com). It seems nearly dead and quite negative toward the Eco.
I used to run an OEM-size K&N replacement filter in my 2005 Jeep Rubicon Unlimited. I bought into the hype that they flow more air and didn't pay attention to the critics who said they don't filter as well. About a year after installing the K&N, I pulled my intake tube and saw a ring of oily, gritty, grime around the intake. Cleaned that stuff out with a toothbrush and vacuum, threw the K&N away, and replaced it with an OEM-style paper filter.
The 6.4l Hemi found in the HD trucks use the same OEM air filter as the EcoDiesel.
An air filter with with a slightly lower resistance measured in (hundredth/thousands) in/wc doesn't make much of difference with a forced induction engine. Diesel run on pounds of boost pressure and that actively controlled by the VGT.
Put in an AFE dry medium at 5,000 miles. Still have it at 225,000 miles w/ excellent silica levels in UOA. My reasoning was cost over long term ownership NOT performance or sound given stock air box.
Zero gains as Crash states. It is a cost vs. time equation....my baby has done exceptionally well. Of note, my turbo blades looked MINT when it failed at 216k and NOT sand blasted. Dry medium is key and I SUSPECT even the OEM could go much longer than suggested based on UOA silica values.
My unscientific opinion - worth every penny. IF FCA could improve the power and fuel mileage of their trucks for a simple $100 air filter that did not adversely affect reliability, WHY wouldn't they install one as standard equipment????
On my duramax, I run a volant cai with the Donaldson power core filter and pre wrap. Will last the life of the truck... wish they made them for the jeep. I just blow it out now and then with a leaf blower....
At 50,000 miles I chucked out the stock and replaced with a K&N drop in. Just cleaned and reoiled at 100,000 miles. Check out the silicon numbers (sand/dirt) . No more mpg or power, but seems to work ok. Will keep cleaning and reoiling every 50,000 miles.
I ran a K&N filter in my stock air box for exactly one oil change cycle,4000 miles, and saw the silica increase in my oil analysis.
I immediately switched back to the stock air filter and after talking to Banks Engineering I installed their replacement tube for the Ram silencer. Banks was quite easy to work this out. Since then theres been no excess silica in my oil.
I've had two of them just becasue they came on the trucks. I would have gladly traded someone for thier stock setup just to get rid of the cleaning and oiling of them. What a pain. And the cold air boxes that went with them was always a hassle to dig open. The little screws were constantly stripping out and the little brass insert nuts were constantly pulling out. I kept mine maintained often and watched for anything getting past them. I never saw signs of that. I would never purchase one after having to deal with them.
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