K&N Air Filter issue maybe.

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slvrvibes
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K&N Air Filter issue maybe.

Post by slvrvibes »

A few months back I put in a K&N drop in air filter in my vibe and ever since then I've gotten bad gas mileage. Could it be an issue with the K&N Filter fit? Before the K&N filter I would get about 27-28 mpg (mixture of city and some Hwy), after K&N I've been getting around 22-24 mpg. Any advice? Anyone with a K&N notice less mileage?
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northvibe
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Post by northvibe »

If it was over oiled, the oil from the filter could dirty up your MAF sensor and cause that. Get some MAF sensor cleaner from your local car store and clean it off. Also check all your tire's psi and see if they are up to spec.
damronjr
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Re: (northvibe)

Post by damronjr »

Quote, originally posted by northvibe »If it was over oiled, the oil from the filter could dirty up your MAF sensor and cause that. Get some MAF sensor cleaner from your local car store and clean it off. Also check all your tire's psi and see if they are up to spec.And check your gas pedal to make sure it's not going down further or faster than it was when you recorded those earlier mpg's!
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slvrvibes
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Re: (northvibe)

Post by slvrvibes »

Quote, originally posted by northvibe »If it was over oiled, the oil from the filter could dirty up your MAF sensor and cause that. Get some MAF sensor cleaner from your local car store and clean it off. Also check all your tire's psi and see if they are up to spec.Could the manufactured over oiled it? The tires I check monthly and they are up to spec. I'll get some cleaner this weekend and see if that is the case. damronjr - I wish that were the case, but my driving habits haven't changed.
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northvibe
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Post by northvibe »

yes K&n are oil'd filters and they have been known to do that specially on CAI's or SRI. MAF sensor cleaner is only a couple bucks and they need to be cleaned usually any who.
tcam
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Re: (damronjr)

Post by tcam »

Quote, originally posted by damronjr »And check your gas pedal to make sure it's not going down further or faster than it was when you recorded those earlier mpg's! Haha, that's my problem right there.
slvrvibes
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Re: (northvibe)

Post by slvrvibes »

Quote, originally posted by northvibe »yes K&n are oil'd filters and they have been known to do that specially on CAI's or SRI. MAF sensor cleaner is only a couple bucks and they need to be cleaned usually any who.I guess maybe I got the bad one in the batch.
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northvibe
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Post by northvibe »

its usually when they are over oil'd. can happen when you reoil them after cleaning aka the recharge kit from k&n, so just make sure that it dry's after you clean it or your maf could get real dirty.
GMJAP
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Re: K&N Air Filter issue maybe. (slvrvibes)

Post by GMJAP »

No mileage drop with my K&N. In fact, probably getting 1-2 more.Any chance your filter installation co-incided with sudden AC use increase?
2005 Platinum Base ManualSide & Curtain AirbagsABSPower PackageTinted Windows"Mods": 'old-style' center armrest, center +12v, wheelskins leather steering wheel, AC/Recirc blue backlight, beeps on keyless entry, dome light switch, AC insulation, PCD10 10-disc CD/MP3 changer, AAI-GM12 AUX audio input, K&N filter, "shark fin" antenna.
northvibe
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Re: K&N Air Filter issue maybe. (GMJAP)

Post by northvibe »

Quote, originally posted by GMJAP »No mileage drop with my K&N. In fact, probably getting 1-2 more.Any chance your filter installation co-incided with sudden AC use increase? haha i totally forgot AC...yea i never use that stuff, i try to sweat it out with the windows down. but using AC drops the mpg by around 2 at least, good point GMJAP
engineertwin2
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Post by engineertwin2 »

Depending on how fast you go, rolling the windows down will be worse than using AC...just an FYI...The turning point is typically around 35-40 mph...(rolling down the windows creates excessive drag)
2004 Vibe GT Lava Monotone, Moon & Tunes PackageMods:Homelink17" TenzoR Mach 10s, Black w/ Red grooveTintFormer Cars: '87 Subaru DL, '99 Chevy Malibu (hated it)'99 VW Passat (like it), '99 Volvo S80 T6 (wet dreams are made of it)
zionzr2
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Post by zionzr2 »

CALLING ALL SCANGUAGE USERS!!!Expriment Time:Drive a given stretch of Hwy for several miles noting the average MPG and current MPG given by the computer durring each run. Do this While All windows closed and No A/C and No radio or music. This will be your base run. Record results.Repeat this run again this time add A/C.Repeat again this time no A/C and WIndows down. both frontRepeat again with all windows down.Post results here.With each run keep the speed the same and preferably within the speed limits. (not Flow of other traffic) ANd record the results. Keeping the speeds and accelrations the same for each run will help keep the runs and readings accurateFor other runs you may try with/without radio/cdwith or without heater. Or other combinations of the runs.This expirement could also be repeated in more of a in town manner for speeds under 45mph. just keep the physical run the same and the speed the same for each run. (this may be really hard with other traffic.)Hopefully if a few of you can do this we will have real world results and a confiramtion of the therories or not.P.S. I think i watch Mythbusters to much
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ZubenElGenubi
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Re: (zionzr2)

Post by ZubenElGenubi »

The windows/AC is off-topic and has been discussed here before:http://forums.genvibe.com/zero...age=1Also, see CNN/Money article:http://money.cnn.com/2005/09/0...x.htmBut, back on topic, I'm inclined to agree with the possibility that the MAF sensor could be oiled up. I presume the K&N filter only fits one way...but if not, could it be installed reverse?
slvrvibes
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Re: (ZubenElGenubi)

Post by slvrvibes »

Quote, originally posted by ZubenElGenubi » But, back on topic, I'm inclined to agree with the possibility that the MAF sensor could be oiled up. I presume the K&N filter only fits one way...but if not, could it be installed reverse?It is definitely installed correctly. I will take Northvibe's recommended advice and clean it this weekend. Hopefully that take care of the problem. As far as the a/c, I always run it low, no need to turn it up since my car is always parked out of the sun. Garage at home and parking garage at work.
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