Issue With Aftermarket Oiled Air Filters

[3.4 Euro Alero]

Just you let you guys (and Gals) know about this little known Service Bulletin. I had this issue with my '01 Alero and because of it, refuse to put my K&N in my new '04. Too bad, but I can't afford to void my 6yr/120 000km warranty! Anyho, here it is. Bulletin #04-07-30-013:

[DCAleroGL]

Does any one know if repairs are required if the MAF sensor is contaminated with the filter oil? I have noticed these symptoms in my 2000, but they were intermittent so I souldn't figure it out.

[ImSoBored]

keep your stock one next time, and switch em out before you, go.......they'll never know

[DCAleroGL]

Thanks, I am considering dropping a new paper one in to get a baseline and was wondering if the sensor was already contaminated, would the oil go away and return the performance to "normal," or would the sensor have to be replaced.

[ImSoBored]

not real sure, Im guessing its not just going to go away, any one know if this is something you can clean?

[3.4 Euro Alero]

From what I've spoken with my service dept. apparently it can end up taking care of itself, but would likely take some time after removing the oiled filter. Depending how bad the sensor is, it could require replacement, but you may also be able to clean it, very carefully I might add. If it is not coated that badly yet, the oil would not last forever, and to be honest, after driving for a couple of weeks with a paper filter again, it seemed to already be getting better on my '01. Kinda sucks that GM would keep this T.S.B. hush hush and only advise people about it once their problems have already started. I searched all over the 'net for this bulletin, and the only place I got it from was a copy of the req. the dealership gave me when I complained about these issues. I tried calling to get it, and they would not even give it to me over the phone. Is this just a b.s. way to get out of doing certain warranty jobs?

By the way, if anyone is looking for a drop-in K&N, I have one used only 7 weeks sealed under my desk here at work :D

[b-spot]

So since the ECOTEC has an IAT, not a MAF, I'm safe???

[FormulaNERD]

could this really be the reason my transmission is slipping?

[3.4 Euro Alero]

Originally posted by ImSoBored@Jul 15 2004, 09:39 AM
keep your stock one next time, and switch em out before you, go.......they'll never know
If you are still under warranty, I would definetly agree with his comment! I had a buddy with a Mazda Protege (Yuk!), and every time he went in for warranty repair, he would remove his cai and replace it with his stock air box. Kind of a pain in the arse, but could save lots of hassels and money. I have always kept any OEM parts just in case until warranties expire.

As for b-spot, I would presume you would be ok, but I do not know much about the ECOTEC. Might be something to look into though. I was not trying to cause a panic since it seems to be a decently rare occurance, but I thought everyone should be aware just in case!

As for formulaNERD, I don't know if that is your problem, but definitely something to look into. Could be a good start.

Can you guys (and gals) tell I am :pissed: off with this whole thing. I hate it when things are kept from us :shoot:

[mdodge]

That sucks. I have a cai and do kinda notice a little hesitation on initial accelaration in lower rpms....hmm wonder if the kn filter oil is causing that. Is there anyway to check? Can I look at the maf and see the oil buid up?

[3.4 Euro Alero]

I doubt it. For those of you who do not know, MAF sensors are very sensitive and delicate pieces of equipment. I used to be a parts mgr. for a BMW/Land Rover/Subaru/Hyundai dealership, and whenever we had MAF sensor problems, we just replaced them. As far as I (and a few techs I know) are concerned, this type of problem likely would just work itself out after the oiled filter is removed. If you think about it, put oil on anything and over time it will dissapear (why do we have to oil spray our vehicles annually you Northern States and Canadian drivers). Depending how much oil is on the sensor depends on how long it will take to dissolve. There is a heck of alot of air rushing past that MAF, which will slowly pull it off. CAUTION THOUGH! This does not mean you should just oil your filter lightly, since doing so will allow very small particles into your engine and likely cause even greater issues! You've just got to find a good balance between oiling and oiling heavily. What gets me is that the TSB states "excessively oiled" filters, yet mine was from K&N factory. Go figure?! :blink:

[DCAleroGL]

Mine was factory as well, and I added it to my '00 on the second day I had it. I noticed a lag when trying to accelerate from 65 MPH, and thought it was odd that I had to downshift (auto trans) to accel even a little. Also, whenever I shift in and out of drive, it takes about 2 seconds to engage, and sometimes does with a jerk. This happens even when parking and going between drive and reverse. I drove a few hundred miles before changing the filter to K&N, and don't remember these issues, but for some reason never thought it might be the filter itself.
I have a can of intake/ throttle body cleaner that is designed to be sprayed into the vacuum system while idling. Could I use this clean the MAF by spraying it into the intake? Or would that bunny things worse?

[3.4 Euro Alero]

Originally posted by DCAleroGL@Jul 15 2004, 04:18 PM
Mine was factory as well, and I added it to my '00 on the second day I had it. I noticed a lag when trying to accelerate from 65 MPH, and thought it was odd that I had to downshift (auto trans) to accel even a little. Also, whenever I shift in and out of drive, it takes about 2 seconds to engage, and sometimes does with a jerk. This happens even when parking and going between drive and reverse. I drove a few hundred miles before changing the filter to K&N, and don't remember these issues, but for some reason never thought it might be the filter itself.
I have a can of intake/ throttle body cleaner that is designed to be sprayed into the vacuum system while idling. Could I use this clean the MAF by spraying it into the intake? Or would that bunny things worse?
I don't think I would do that.