AEM CAI filter cleaning

[YuiEdie]

How often do you need to clean the air filter? I see that AEM sells a cleaning kit. Is it best to use their product or a generic brand? Thanks.

[jeffguynyc]

I've personally never done it myself, but I believe it does come with instructions. My cousin bought an AEM intake for his civic and he says the cleaning process is pretty easy to understand.

[pdrizzle]

Does anyone know what size K&N filter to replace the AEM filter on the AEM cai?

[firesquare]

isnt it a K&N filter on the AEM?

[CBSIMONSEZ]

To clean the filter is no big deal. I wouldnt replace one cotton filter with another. The difference is minimal, and IMO would just be a waste of money.

To clean the cotton filters, generally i clean mine every 5 oil changes, or 30K miles. Just remove the filter, and spray on the oil fliter cleaner and let sit for 15 minutes. Then with a garden hose on gentle pressure ( too much will force the cotton guaze out ) rinse from the inside out, the reverse of the air flow. Once all the air filter oil is removed, the filter will be white. Let dry naturally; sit in the sun for about 15 minutes. Apply fresh coat of filter oil. Here again, i cant see the difference in a cleaning kit, they are all basically the same. K&N is a red oil, and the AEM is a blue oil i believe.

[TheScionicMan]

There's a How-To here:

http://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=30892

Always good to check the tech section.

[YuiEdie]

Thanks dude.

[firesquare]

i remember a while back that K&N filters were used for AEM intake systems. this is what i saw on a 2000 Si. i beleve it even said K&N. sometimes its marketing. like the lexus emblems on toyota engines. that type of thing. the K&N design is pattented so other corporations can only mimic the design but not be excatly infracting the patent/design of K&N

i guess they worked out some deal

[hotbox05]

Originally Posted by firesquare

isnt it a K&N filter on the AEM?

AEM used to use K&N filters but now make their own , or at least Have AEM written on the tops versuse K&N. They are practically identical though , 10 or so cotton layers , metal mesh.

[hotbox05]

Oh and normal cleaning interval for these things are along the lines of a regular air filter element , or about 30k or less depending upon how dirty the roads are where ya live , and the intake systems filter placement.