Car Care DIY: How to Service & Clean Your K&N Air-Filter

My car was due for her fourth service soon, so I decide to do a little pre-service of my own.

I had replaced the stock air filter with a better aftermarket replacement filter. This new filter is better as they are washable and reusable, as opposed to the single-use stock filter that you completely replace on every other service, or 10000 km. Although the aftermarket filter is pricey, in the long run it will pay back for itself.

Other than that, the aftermarket air filter (in this case, a stock-replacement drop-in filter) has a much higher rate of airflow while retaining, if not better, filtration capabilities. My experience in using them is slightly better fuel economy and better acceleration as the engine breathes easier. After all, it's easier to breathe through a cotton cloth (aftermarket filters) than a piece of carboard (OEM filters).

Even so, I do not imply that the stock filters were not good - it gets the job done. Good, pricey aftermarket parts does the same job as stock parts too, only better.

Medusa is equipped with a hi-flow K&N filter. This filter is made from thick cotton sandwiched between wire mesh. This type of filter is oiled to provide the best filtration capability, and it's different from foam-type aftermarket filters.

I clean mine every 10000 km or so, but if you drive on dusty roads alot, clean them more frequently.

This filter could be serviced at the place you bought the filter, or you could buy this cleaning kit for DIY Car Care. The multi-tool above is used to undo the securing screw of the airbox.

This kit is by K&N, and it comes with a bottle of Air Filter Cleaner, and a bottle of Air Filter Oil. The other version of this kit comes with a bigger bottle of the Air Filter Cleaner with a trigger-spray, and an aerosol can of the Air Filter Oil.

First off, undo the latches securing the airbox.

Three latches in total for the Neo. Plus one screw at the south point.

Just one simple screw. You don't have to unsrew it all the way.

Remove the filter, and visually inspect it for any damage. The filter will have a dirty side where it comes in contact with outside particles. Identify which side it is on - usually it's the side with small bugs are trapped in-between the pleats, or dustier pleats. Shake the debris loose, and (lightly) tap the filter to dislodge the debris.

Flip the filter so that the dirty side is facing downwards. Spray the filter with theAir Filter Cleaner until it's soaked with the cleaning solution.

Let the filter sit for 10 minutes to ensure that the cleaning solution soaks and seeps into the pleats thoroghly. The stock filter that my K&N filter replaces is for comparison.

Notice the higher number of pleats on this filter. The other major difference is that this filter is 'dry', in contrast to my K&N aftermarket filter which is oiled for best filtration capability.

This filter is made of cardboard, or thick paper that is very restrictive for the airflow. Like I said, using the stock filter for your engine is like putting a tight cardboard box against your face and trying to breathe through it.

Rinse the filter thoroughly. DO NOT use high pressure water, or a high pressure air blower. It will damage the pleats and shortens the filter's lifespan. Use a normal garden hose or tap.

It's also important to rinse the filter by passing water from the cleaner side. If you rinse with the 'dirty' side on top, you might push some smaller contaminants deeper inside the filter.

Set the filter out to dry. Ensure that the filter is dried thoroughly, and drying it out under the sun is a great way. Else, dry the filter on some newspapers overnight, preferably in a room with the fan on.

When the filter is completely dry, notice the change of color.

The filter is ready for the next step - re-oiling

Follow the instructions carefully - particularly about the amount of oil needed to re-oil the air filter. If you over oiled the filter, it might mess up the MAF (Mass Air-Flow) sensor,a nd other engine components.

The correct amount of oil to be used for the filter is indicated on the bar code label of the airfilter's box.

The air filter oil bottle has a scaled measure with a see-through window. Use it.

On the 'dirty' side, draw a bead of the oil across the top of the pleat. Use a consistent amount on each, and use only a single, continuous pass.

When all the pleats were oiled, set it aside for about 20 minutes to let the oil wick through the pleats completely. If you do it right, turning the filter over will reveal that the other side of the filter - the 'clean' side - evenly coated too. Dab some more oil on any spots missed.

Before installing the air filter back to the airbox, clean the box and inspect for any large debris or damages.

Finally, re-install the air filter, with the 'clean' side facing to the intake manifold, back to the airbox. Ensure the sides are properly inserted to make a good air seal.

Latch the closures shut, and screw it home. Now your air filter is good to go!

Hobby #6 - Multi-tool Collection: The Medley

Checked the mailbox, and whadya know?

My package from the US of A is here!

Let's see what's inside..

Cool! My pair of Squirts.

Powder Pink & Inferno Red

Scissors, knife blade, nail file, cap lifer, several flat drivers, a phillips driver, and a pair of tweezers. Missing the kitchen sink though.

Red for me, Pink for the girlfriend

Rides nicely on my key-chain.

I love shiny new (multi)tools!


The Leatherman Squirt S4 is a real handy, keychain-sized multi-tool that could tackle most tasks at hand. "S4" stands for "Scissors, 4 external tools".


The other variant is the Squirt P4, "P4" as in "Pliers, 4 external tools". I opted for the scissors variant as I have two bigger-sized pliers to get a job done. I often overlooked how much a scissors is needed for specific jobs where even my scalpel-sharp knife blades won't..err, cut.


The Squirts came in Blue, Gray, Red, or Pink. I decided to take the Red for myself, and the Pink for my girlfriend. She likes the tool a lot, and quickly found many uses for it daily.


While I'm on the topic of multi-tools, I might as well show you the collection thus far:

Skeletool CX. Yessireebob, that's a real carbon fiber insert.

The Big, Bad Daddy - Charge TTi. Yup, Ti as in Titanium slabs on the handles.

The Medley: Exposed

The Medley: Lining Up for the Shot

Cheers~!

Hobby #6 - Multi-tool Collection: Leatherman Skeletool CX + Custom Leather Sheath

To supplement my Hobby #5 - EDC, I carry around one, or two multi-tool on my person.


Why?


Same reason as for the rest of the things I EDC - you never know when you might need them.


You might already notice my Leatherman Skeletool CX on the previous post, and since I love to carry this sexy hunk of stainless steel (and carbon fiber) so much I opted for a better carrying method for it.


I have been using the supplied ballistic nylon sheath, which is great, to carry the Skeley on my belt. But after some surfing 'round the Net I spotted someone who crafts awesome custom-made, genuine leather pouches and sheaths. His name is Simon, and he made for me the perfect one-of-a-kind leather sheath for my Skeletool CX.


The sheath is made from genuine high-quality cowhide, and Simon owns a Skeletool himself, therefore he used it as the mold for the wet-forming process - effectively forming a sheath that is shaped perfectly as the tool it meant to hold.


Quality is top-notch, and the end product was dyed in black. As with all leather products, the aesthetic quality comes with natural wear and tear. I personally love a distressed look to my leather merchandise.



Stitch work is immaculate. At the back, the sheath features a belt-loop, but meant to be worn vertically only on the belt.

The back of the sheath is actually layered, totally protecting the tool inside.



The flap is secured with a brass stud for easy one-hand opening, but at the same time being very effective in securing the sheath shut.



The hole is where the pocket clip of the Skeletool clips in securely. Overall, I am very happy with the sheath. Simon really did a stellar job.


After knowing him a little better, he is a person who EDC too. He carries around a Swiss Army Knife, and a Leatherman Wave, and has been EDCing for years. Simon custom-makes various pouches and sheaths for knives, multitools, and even one with a flashlight holder.


For those who would like him to craft a sheath (or two), drop Simon an email.

Hobby #4 - Testosterone Induction

Lift that weight baby!

My housemates; Anep, Rusydi, and Zan Peng would tag along as well whenever I hit the gym we frequent to in Wangsa Maju every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights.

Owh yeah..there’s nothing quite like the smell of sweat that lingers in the air; the loud music with pumping bass; the grunts, groans and clanking of metal; and of course – my personal favourite – the hot babes in tight clothing to get those testosterone charging.

Yes sir.

You ain’t a real man unless you hit the gym. Be it for fitness reasons, to lose that flabby gut, or aiming to get a beach-worthy body with a set of solid six-pack abs, the gym suits your needs.

I’m talking bout a proper establishments with arrays of advanced equipments to achieve the aforementioned objectives, and not just some shoddy ‘backyard’ gym. Although, any gym could help you achieve your goals, a proper gym with experienced professionals would ensure you get your intended results faster and better.

If you live in and around KL, and the Klang Valley, there are lots of gyms to choose from, among many others:

Twin Towers Fitness Centre

• KLCC

Celebrity Fitness

• Subang Parade, Subang Jaya

• Bangsar Village II, Bangsar

Fitness First

• The Curve, Mutiara Damansara

• IOI Mall, Puchong

• AEON Bukit Tinggi, Klang

• Menara Maxis, KLCC

California Fitness

• Mid-Valley Megamall, Mid-Valley

• Menara Standard Chartered, Bukit Bintang

True Fitness

• USJ 10, Subang Jaya

• Jaya 33, Section 13

Get Active

• SOHO KL, Mont Kiara

Pushmore

• Merchant Square, Tropicana

Obviously, there are lots of other gyms either more exclusive, or lesser than the examples I have given, so feel free to explore. If you’re heart is set to achieve that goal you have in mind, any gym would do – the only difference will be how quickly you achieve them, how effective, and most importantly, how much fun you will have. There is however another option – home gym

Fitness Concept is a store that sells equipments and stuffs that you can find at these professional gyms. This chain could be found in most major malls. For starters, get a set of those 10 kg dumbbell set and a few advice on how is best to utilize them. One item that I am particularly interested in is a set of large, high-tensile rubber band that is revolutionizing the term ‘portable gym’. Hit the store and you’ll know what I mean.

Tips for starters

• Find a suitable timetable for you to work out your routine. An effective routine must include hitting the gym at least 3 times a week.

• Look for a gym that is preferably close to your home and one that suits your budget. Note: professional help do come with a price.

• Stick to a fitness/weight-loss/body-sculpting programs that suits you. The pros and regular gym goers might offer an advice or two, but do your own research. A magazine like Men’s Health is a lot of help.

• Disclipline! Nuff said..

Anyway, I love going to the gym as I could work out that stress garnered at work, and get much healthier, slimmer, and more muscular in the process. Exercising also releases the hormone endorphin - the same hormone released during sex - which makes us feel good. Yeah, I am aware that chocolates also trigger the release of endorphin, but I prefer to watch my weight, thank you.

So, if the heaviest thing that you can lift currently is that Big Mac, the only exercise you get is that walk (and occasional run) to classes, and having your hand as your only lover, you need a wake up call, buddy!

Hit the gym. Pump that iron.

You’ll feel like a million bucks in no time.

Hobby #3 - Martial Arts

Martial arts are truly like its namesake - a form of art, albeit a deadly one. Learning any form of the various martial arts of the world requires discipline, mental & physical fitness, and most importantly, passion.

Yup. Taekwondo is my martial art of choice, and it has been my passion since I began practicing it since I was 11, starting from the tender white-belt. At the age of 15, I have achieved the rank of Poom, or 'Jr. Black-belt'. This rank is given to Taekwondo practitioners who has passed all the necessary grading and completion of syllabus to earn the right & honour to wear the Black-belt under the age of 16.

In 2007, I had taken the 1st Dan (Degree) Black-belt examination to convert my Poom rank to a full Black-belt rank, and also the examination for the 2nd Dan rank. Now, I am proud to have earned the right and honour to hold the rank of a 2nd Dan Black-belt Taekwondo exponent; certified by Kukkiwon, the Taekwondo headquarters in Seoul, South Korea. By that, I have received the official Certificate from Kukkiwon, and the recognition as a Member of the World Taekwondo Federation.

Universiti Teknologi Petronas Taekwondo Club

In UTP, I was elected as the President for the UTP Taekwondo Club circa 2006 - 2007, and for 2007 - 2008. The Club is sanctioned under the Malaysian Taekwondo Association, the body recognized by the World Taekwondo Federation. The Club hires Master Kuppusammy, an instructor by the rank of 7th Dan from his Jireugi Dohjang to teach, train, and condition club members the techniques of Taekwondo for self-defense and competition sparring. Rank upgrade examinations, or known as grading, are conducted every semester, and Master Kuppusammy is authorized and certified to grade the club members from the range of beginners & White-belt to 1st Dan grading.

Fellow Taekwondo exponent, Donovan

Sparring tournament; I'm in the red armour

Demonstration: one inch plank-breaking

Admittedly, though I have been learning other forms of martial arts such as Karate and Aikido, and in the process of studying Krav Maga and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Taekwondo has always been the art that had started it all for me by providing the solid foundation of self-defense, and has continuously conditioned me by providing the base for ease of learning the other forms of aforementioned martial arts.

Thus, Taekwondo would remain as my true passion in martial arts.