Cleaning Tips For Pro-M Air Filter

[MI2QWK4U]

Does anyone here have the PRO-M MAF and Conical Air Filter? It looks to be the same configuration as a K&N type washable filter, where the cloth filter is surrounded in the stainless steel mesh to hold its shape. I thought you would clean the PRO-M filter the same way, wash it and re oil it. However, when I pulled the PRO-M this afternoon to clean it, on the rim it says "wash with water" and "Do not Oil". I never got care instructions with mine, so I was wondering If someone out there knows what the correct way to clean it is. Doesnt seem right not to oil it, oil is what traps the microscopic dirt/dust particles.
Dave

[Rider90]

Will a drycharger work on that? for future use. I have had a drycharger on for about 15k miles and whenever I pull it off to clean it, my filter looks brand spankin' new. The drycharger just requires soap and water in the kitchen sink and let it sit for a few hours.

[MI2QWK4U]

is the drycharger a type of filter element? That is what this might be. Just used dish soap and warm water to losen up the dirt and bits of stuff, then used the hand sprayer at the utility tub to clean out in between the ribs. My question is, is this the norm for the PRO-M? and not to be oiled like the K&N.

[SergntMac]

Since you have already washed it with soap and water, you're one step into an experiment. Blow it out from the inside with compressed air and restore it, see what happens next?

I was going to suggest you try what I do every so often, which is pull the filter down, spray it clean with a can of CNC brake cleaner, then blow it dry from the inside with compressed air, and restore it. I usually use the whole can, but that's under 4 bucks around here. I do not oil anything, and I do not use any cleaning kits, other solvents, or, special washing. Not even vinegar, hehehe.

I've not detected any problems with this cleaning method, and it's a K&N #RU-3130 conical filter. I justify my method onm the fact that my filter is mounted in close proximity to the right front wheel. It's positioned in the front fender well, just behind the right fog light, and it tends to suck up brake dust and road grime like a high school cheerleader squad wanna-be. Honestly, I have not had problem one from this method, and my present K&N filter is over two years old now. Still comes out looking brand new, every time.

If you're not done, Dave, consider giving this method a try? If you're not happy with the results of my suggestion, I'll split the cost of a replacement filter with you. How's that sound?

[MI2QWK4U]

Sarge,
I did some researching online and found UPR products. They offer PRO-M specific replacement filters. I guess the difference is some kits or applications use a clamp on style, while the PRO-M is a more sturdy and solid unit, and uses 3 screws to hold the filter onto the MAF bellhousing. I am going to call them tomorrow, it seems if you read carefully, some require cleaning and oiling and list a link to tell you how to do so. I would prefer to stay away from oiled air filters, on fords it has been known to cause severe drivability issues when even the smallest of oil particals get on the sensor.

UPR website-Filters (http://www.uprproducts.com/shopping/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=94&cat=Air%2BFilters)

[Rider90]

is the drycharger a type of filter element? That is what this might be. Just used dish soap and warm water to losen up the dirt and bits of stuff, then used the hand sprayer at the utility tub to clean out in between the ribs. My question is, is this the norm for the PRO-M? and not to be oiled like the K&N.

Negative, it is a thin wrap for the filter.

[DEFYANT]

I had a K&N on on old Mustang GT I had and cleaned the filter. I'll never do that again! I followed the instructions but still ended up with oil everywhere. I plan to just replace the filter when it gets old.

[FordNut]

Sarge,
I did some researching online and found UPR products. They offer PRO-M specific replacement filters. I guess the difference is some kits or applications use a clamp on style, while the PRO-M is a more sturdy and solid unit, and uses 3 screws to hold the filter onto the MAF bellhousing. I am going to call them tomorrow, it seems if you read carefully, some require cleaning and oiling and list a link to tell you how to do so. I would prefer to stay away from oiled air filters, on fords it has been known to cause severe drivability issues when even the smallest of oil particals get on the sensor.

UPR website-Filters (http://www.uprproducts.com/shopping/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=94&cat=Air%2BFilters)
I had the UPR filter on my Pro-M. The sales person I spoke to said it was not pre-oiled. Later, when I ordered one from them for another application they told me it was pre-oiled. So do they just skip the oiling step for the Pro-M filters or did the sales rep (#1 or #2) just give me incorrect info? Anyway, I ran the one for my Pro-M for about 30k mi with no problems. And it had a drycharger on it, basically an nylon sock/prefilter. Another difference with the UPR filter is the inverted cone in the end which gives additional filter area and improved flow capacity. Their latest product also has "flow straighteners" insice to reduce turbulence at the MAF sensor.