I have a 14x3" K&N open element filter. When new it used to fit tightly in the aircleaner base. Its about 5 years old now and seems to have shrunken almost 1/2" in diameter! I've only cleaned it 3 or 4 times. Has anyone elses done this?
Thanx

 

Mine's about 2 1/2 years old and is still the same size... cleaned it 3 times.

 

I have the cylinder style never noticed any shrinking. Have you cleaned it? Its possible if it was cleaned with an improper type of chemical and water it could have an affect. If it was cleaned and heat dried or something could also be a problem. Its just a fiber material so if treated incorrectly could shrink or even start to deteriorate.

 

improper chemicals will damage the rubber surround and possibly the cotton gauze fabric. I dont know how much it would shrink, though.

 

I've always used the K&N filter cleaner kit and let the filter dry out in the open air.

 

I've cleaned mine 3 times following the instructions, and I do think that my filter has shrunk a little bit. It seems to fit tighter in the air cleaner now.

 

Mine is 6 years old and has gotten bigger if anything--it's a tighter fit around the base and lid than new.

 

I know this thread is old, but my K&N shrunk as well! I thought I was just crazy.

Has this happened to anyone else? My filter is about 7 years old, and has been cleaned properly every year since. I wish I had my receipt to take advantage of the "Million Mile Warranty"... It might be in the garage somewhere...

 

why don't people wash these things more often, I have washed mine and dried it with heat it is about 2 years old (in my jeep) its a sheet cake style filter and it has not degraded in quality +1 on wishing i had the receipt know that I say is, buy another and get yours replaced then sell one on ebay or return it I mean they do have the nerve to give it a million mile warranty.

 

I'm still running the same filter, no change in size yet.