Oiling K&N pods

[azr]

Hey all, how often is everyone oiling their K&N pods? I know I don't always have to clean the pods I can just shake off any loose dirt/dust and re oil, K&N says as long as you can see the screen you're still good to go. But I'm just wondering what the indicators that let you know it's time to re oil them. Of course K&N say if you notice any performance or fuel loss it's time to clean and oil. The only noticeable thing I see is the filters loose that red colour, more so on the two outer pods of course.

[GSX1000E]

When they start to look filthy, clean them, allow them to air dry, oil, allow to sit, saturate, dry and wipe off any wet standing oil, ride.

[Steve]

When they start to look filthy, clean them, allow them to air dry, oil, allow to sit, saturate, dry and wipe off any wet standing oil, ride.

Close, but the "saturate" part might need a bit of clarification.

"Saturate" does not mean "dip the filters and let them soak".

"Saturate" means to "lightly apply a thin film of oil, ensuring that the entire surface gets wet".

If you apply too much oil, the filters will not be able to flow enough air to properly feed the engine.

.

[nastyjones]

At the end of every season, I run them through my ultrasonic cleaner & they come out like new. Since the filter material is cotton, there is no damage to their ability to filter.

[tkent02]

At the end of every season, I run them through my ultrasonic cleaner & they come out like new. Since the filter material is cotton, there is no damage to their ability to filter.

What solvent or detergent do you use in the cleaner for this? Im going to try it.

[azr]

All good info guys, thanks. I was wondering if it had something to do with the colour changing.

[Steve]

All good info guys, thanks. I was wondering if it had something to do with the colour changing.

A clean, un-oiled filter will be white-ish. Using K&N oil, it will be pink.

.

[azr]

Ya, no I get that Steve, it's the colour change after oiling and riding the bike for a period. The red colour the filter takes on after oiling starts to fad away and eventually you can't see any red on it, that's what I was wondering about, if that is when you are supposed to re oil.

[Steve]

I would not worry about re-oiling until you wash the filter again.

Others may express a different opinion.

.

[ptexotik]

once every two seasons, whether they need it or not!
If I was putting on miles, I'd do it more.

[eil]

K&N's website has instructions for cleaning their filters. Of course, they want you to buy their special cleaning solution, but I'm sure you could get away with some kind of soap/water mixture.

http://www.knfilters.com/cleaning.htm

[azr]

Their solution does work pretty well, and our Canadian tire sells the cleaner/oil set pretty cheaply.

[trevor]

Their solution does work pretty well, and our Canadian tire sells the cleaner/oil set pretty cheaply.

Don't buy it Rob, I have the kit in my garage. Probably enough to last me decades.

[mrbill5491]

Ya, no I get that Steve, it's the colour change after oiling and riding the bike for a period. The red colour the filter takes on after oiling starts to fad away and eventually you can't see any red on it, that's what I was wondering about, if that is when you are supposed to re oil.

Why would you re-oil a dirty filter? Just shaking out some stuff doesn't clean the imbedded dirt in the filter. With pods I would imagine one would clean them at least twice a year since they are more exposed to the elements then stock or stock style K&Ns.

Out here where I live, I've seen K&N pods absolutely black! I would ask the guy when is the last time you cleaned those. The usual answer is never...or oh you clean these, just thought all you had to do is re-oil them...

[nastyjones]

What solvent or detergent do you use in the cleaner for this? Im going to try it.

I use a blend of a commercial degreaser, dish soap & dilute w/water.

Works like a charm.

Paul