Stupid AEM Filter Question

kc2005ptgt · Post by **kc2005ptgt** » Sat Aug 11, 2007 12:32 am

Ok, so I have had my AEM CAI on the car for some 50k miles, or less... anyway, I can not afford to buy a new one for it, and I wanted to clean it, but I do not know if I have to use some sort of recharge kit or what..? Does anyone know how to clean these filters? If I can not get it cleaned, I assume I will have to go with a $40 K&N.

Oh yeah, and I do not have the instructions anymore

MyNeonSaysHi · Post by **MyNeonSaysHi** » Sat Aug 11, 2007 12:57 am

Hmmmm I had the AEM on my 01 and I used the K&N recharge kit on it..... I believe AEM used K&N filters on some of the intakes but not all if I remember correctly...

bone-yard-racing · Post by **bone-yard-racing** » Sat Aug 11, 2007 6:37 am

Older aem's use an oiled cotton filter just like a K&N. If you bought it within the last 6months or so they are using a washable dry flow filter.

Marthby · Post by **Marthby** » Sat Aug 11, 2007 7:02 am

A while back I called AEM to ask them about how one should go about cleaning their filters. They said the K&N recharge kit works and as for the dry flow filters, it's perfectly fine to use the K&N cleaner....

DO NOT USE THE OIL!!!

He really emphasized on that part too.

quicksilvr · Post by **quicksilvr** » Sat Aug 11, 2007 10:44 am

If I were you, I would buy a new DryFlow filter that doesn't use the oil. Less future maintenance. If you want to clean your's though, I've got the cleaner and oil that I could bring down with me in a couple weeks.

kc2005ptgt · Post by **kc2005ptgt** » Sat Aug 11, 2007 12:00 pm

hmm, a new filter is looking more and more better than this one

I dunno, I will call AEM I guess as well and ask them what to do. As for the filter cleaner kit Dave, that sounds cool if I haven't done anythign to it

I will keep you posted though.

jrumann59 · Post by **jrumann59** » Sat Aug 11, 2007 1:40 pm

I always believe in having a spare around makes the filter changes fast and you can clean the dirty one at your leisure when its off the car.

J-Villa · Post by **J-Villa** » Sat Aug 11, 2007 2:28 pm

that's what i did with my 4 wheeler...i had a back up cleaned at all times...and pop a new one in b4 the ride, then clean the dirty one b4 my next ride

kevo · Post by **kevo** » Sat Aug 11, 2007 3:16 pm

I have the K&N recharge kit and have used it on my AEM. It works great. A little info about the cleaner. It's nothing but degreaser. You can use household degreaser like greased lightning or simillar mixed in with some water to get all the crap off of your filter. I'm not sure what kind of oil that is yet.

If the filter is old then your best bet is to just buy one from AEM outlet on ebay. These guys sell original discontinued and surplus AEM filters at great prices. According to the AEM install instructions. The original dodge neon AEM kit contained a 2.5 x 5 inch filter and the part number is 21-201.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/AEM-Cott ... 0073059262

gilly02le · Post by **gilly02le** » Sun Aug 12, 2007 1:16 am

I just wash mine with soap and warm water in the sink, and then let it dry and oil it with wd-40. The filter goes from dirty brown back to the nice red color it came. Always works well for me, and i don't have to waste money on a new one that way.
1,000,000 mile K&N filter warranty if it ever does fall apart

Post by **racer12306** » Sun Aug 12, 2007 10:02 pm

jrumann59 wrote:I always believe in having a spare around makes the filter changes fast and you can clean the dirty one at your leisure when its off the car.

I keep my OEM filter around for when I clean so my driving is not restricted. If it takes me a day or two, no big deal.

kc2005ptgt · Post by **kc2005ptgt** » Tue Aug 14, 2007 12:03 am

I am gonna buy the one on eBay for 14$ and shipping. I think that is the best route over a brand new K&N, or whatever. Either way, it gives me two filters to use.