Outer Limits 4x4 Board

Can anyone advise if foam type (e.g. K & N or Uni, Finer etc) filters are recommended in 4.2 TDi's with snorkle. My original paper filter was replaced at 20ks (live in bush dirt rd's every day, dry) and I can see this getting expensive. Thought that the foam type might let the big girl aspirate a bit better also. K & N have no part No's or listing for 03' 4.2 TDi's. Have heard about pre cleaners also??

20Ks
I assume you mean 20,000Ks??

Thats normal. I have changed after a dusty trip 200ks.
Dont like oiled filters. Stick to paper.

Paper can be blown and tapped to remove most loose dust.

4bee costs a lot more than a few filters !!

Bazzle

Yeah I did mean 20k i.e. 20 000k's. Thought that foam tupe might give better protection and other benefits like performance etc.

ive had k&n and a finer filter (foam type), the foam desintagrated on the finer filter in about 3years they are also harder to get clean. had the k&n for about 3months, made more power and economy, only downside is the fill up with dust very quickly.

the filter filling up with dust doesnt sound like a downside.......id rather the dust in the filter rather than in the engine.

Why not fit a Donaldson swirl type pre filter. If your constantly driving in dusty conditions one of these will trap alot of the dust. This will increase the time between replacement (paper) or cleaning (foam / oil) of your air filter. Then all you have to work out is which type of element you prefer.
Dave

I normally change the filter with evey service as I do a lot of off road. About six months back I had the Uni Filter fitted and its working great. I noticed the revs picking up a bit earlier so I guess it does breath a bit better.
So far no probs.

Thanks guys, I'm going to give the Uni Filter a go, sounds good GU Johonno. Is the net the best way to purchase one? Priced at $63.50 delivered? Any inputs.

i swear by unifilters. i use both the replacement 1 for the air box and in dusty conditions throw in a pre filter in the snorkel. they do need cleaning more often but it means no muck getting into the engine.
i have had up to 3/5mm of muck on the outside of the filters and not a sign of the muck on the inside.

Stick with paper.

Any independant testing I've seen shows that the foam types (UNI, Amsoil, etc) and K&N's don't filter anywhere near as well, nor have as great a dust holding capacity as an OEM spec paper filter.
I've also proved it with used oil analysis, where silicon levels (most sands/soils are slicon oxide) was greater with the K&N over a paper Donaldson element.

Rick.

I've used K&N and was until last week, running a Finer filter. If either of these are not oiled correctly you will get dust through.
I've now gone back to a paper filter, and carry the foam one as a back up.

Dave