How To Clean Aem Dry Air Filter

One could do a search about using oiled filters and bugging out MAF sensors.

I like the looks of your new rig!

Last edited: Nov 4, 2021

There was a very detailed article I read years ago about cleaning paper air filters. The premise was you can't really clean do a good job cleaning them. In the article they did an inspection (like a microscopic inspection) and airflow tests before, when dirty, and after cleaning (blowing or washing). Yeah, the conclusion was you could blow some of the dirt/dust out, but essentially a good amount gets caught in the fibers of the filter and won't dislodge. And that's kind of the point and how paper air filters work -- trap microscopic particles.

If someone's ever washed/cleaned shop vac air filters, you know that, yes, you CAN blow and wash them out ..but they don't flow as well as brand new ones.

Soooo, carrying that on to oil impregnated filters, it makes you wonder: If they DO trap fine airborn particles, that's great. But do they release them easily? And down to what size particles? And what is the filtration ability & airflow after they are cleaned a few times? What about guys who aren't as particular about oiling them properly? I'm sure there are people who have tested them on Youtube.

But do you really want to risk damaging your trucks' engine (or MAF) over using an approved paper air filter that normally lasts quite a while, just to save a few bucks over 5-8 years?

I added a K&N Cold Air Intake Kit: High Performance, 2014 Dodge Ram (1500) 5.7L V8, 57-1561. I haven't had a single issue, have over 160k and runs great. I also use Mobile One in the engine (many here have issues with that). Having the air cleaner on top of the engine is going to pick up all the heat off the engine, and that little plastic heat shield won't shield anything (in my opinion).

2012RAM1500RT

I added a K&N Cold Air Intake Kit: High Performance, 2014 Dodge Ram (1500) 5.7L V8, 57-1561. I haven't had a single issue, have over 160k and runs great. I also use Mobile One in the engine (many here have issues with that). Having the air cleaner on top of the engine is going to pick up all the heat off the engine, and that little plastic heat shield won't shield anything (in my opinion).

I assume you are referring to the vararam. Sitting still I won't disagree with the engine heat but driving down the road I think the air from in "front" of the radiator being somewhat "rammed" into the air cleaner is more than enough to cool it as much as it can possibly be cooled. All of this is in my opinion also.

turkeybird56

It was between K&N or Vararam for me and it's safe to say I'm glad I went with the Vararam!!!

Even if I gain half the HP and torque it claims, it is still more HP and torque then K&N or S&B…

I just open the door and stick my foot out and play Barney Rubble for added 1/2 HP, LOL. :rolleyes: :joke: :pokeowned:

In line with the thread, I have a AEM dry filter in the ole air box. Not sure if it does a lot, but can be cleaned and reused multiple times, guess just a matter of perception and preference.

2012RAM1500RT

I just open the door and stick my foot out and play Barney Rubble for added 1/2 HP, LOL.

In line with the thread, I have a AEM dry filter in the ole air box. Not sure if it does a lot, but can be cleaned and reused multiple times, guess just a matter of perception and preference.

Yep, I stick with the reason I bought mine "For the looks" Anything I got extra is ok with me. I still like the "Old school looks" I don't claim anything with MPG or horse power. LOL