Date:         Wed, 17 Mar 1999 15:09:09 -0800
Reply-To:     Stuart MacMillan <stuart@COBALTGROUP.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Stuart MacMillan <stuart@COBALTGROUP.COM>
Organization: The Cobalt Group
Subject:      Re: K&N air filters worth the extra money?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

I think so.  I have used them for several years on my other cars, and
they are worth it from a reduced maintenance standpoint alone.  I save
money too, since I used to throw away perfectly good filters as part of
my routine maintenance schedule.

They are made of a tough cotton medium that is wet with a special light
oil.  The oil catches and holds the dust, and the filter actually
filters better as it gets a layer of dirt on it, up to a point.  Every
50,000 miles, or less if you live in a really dusty area, you wash it,
dry it and re-oil it.  It doesn't wear out or clog like paper filters
can, and it can filter out a lot more dust.

Be sure to get the kit for cleaning and oiling when you order.

On a side note, I actually drove across the state of Washington in a
1968 VW Westy during the eruption of Mt. St. Helens (stupid thing to do,
but I made it).  The only reason the VW survived was its old oil bath
air cleaner--the highest capacity air filter ever made (it collected
over an inch of packed fine dust in the bottom in the 250 mile trip).
They are not made anymore, but a K&N is the next best thing.
--
Stuart MacMillan
'84 Westy
'65 MGB
'73 MGB GT undergoing restoration