K&N Oil Filters BEWARE!!!

[emptysea]

It's just the opening volley, Gumby. Since the part has been used, the second paragraph should be ignored entirely and you should focus your reply on the "We also have a great Performance/Warranty department ready to help, assist and trouble shoot any issues if needed" part of the first paragraph. Clearly there is an "issue" and troubleshooting is "needed" at this point. Also, Mr. Sandoval has offered to answer "any other questions", so that's your cue to asking some. I think I'd start with "Why does oil pour out of my filter can when I use your filter and does not do so when I use a stock one?"

It's apparent to me that Mr. Sandoval does not want to discuss recalls, but he may be interested in fixing the underlying problem on a case-by-case basis. Good luck.

[LongRanger_imp]

Not to diminish the consequences of a failed oil filter, but it's only a $15 part for heaven's sake. If you're concerned, replace it with something else and move on. I'm not sure K&N has any obligation to the consumer beyond providing a refund. If you are confident you can prove it caused you injury or damage, that's a different story -- hire an attorney and initiate a lawsuit.
EmptySea, PM sent but disallowed. Looks like you've exceeded your quota.

[kennyw]

Not to diminish the consequences of a failed oil filter, but it's only a $15 part for heaven's sake. If you're concerned, replace it with something else and move on. I'm not sure K&N has any obligation to the consumer beyond providing a refund. If you are confident you can prove it caused you injury or damage, that's a different story -- hire an attorney and initiate a lawsuit.
EmptySea, PM sent but disallowed. Looks like you've exceeded your quota.

There have been issues on cheaper parts recalled by the NTSB for safety concerns. All it takes is the problems being reported in volume. Sudden oil loss across your rear tire is a major safety concern.

The problem is, people are likely to do what you suggest and not voice a concern and some poor sap will end up dying as a result because the issue was not pushed and corrected. A class action lawsuit by someone who was seriously injured (or family of someone that was killed) is the best course of action if the manufacturer is not voluntarily fixing the issue though.

[Gumby 1100_imp]

Not to diminish the consequences of a failed oil filter, but it's only a $15 part for heaven's sake. If you're concerned, replace it with something else and move on. I'm not sure K&N has any obligation to the consumer beyond providing a refund. If you are confident you can prove it caused you injury or damage, that's a different story -- hire an attorney and initiate a lawsuit.
EmptySea, PM sent but disallowed. Looks like you've exceeded your quota.

There have been issues on cheaper parts recalled by the NTSB for safety concerns. All it takes is the problems being reported in volume. Sudden oil loss across your rear tire is a major safety concern.

The problem is, people are likely to do what you suggest and not voice a concern and some poor sap will end up dying as a result because the issue was not pushed and corrected. A class action lawsuit by someone who was seriously injured (or family of someone that was killed) is the best course of action if the manufacturer is not voluntarily fixing the issue though.

It doesn't make sense or seem fair that someone would have to die or be seriously injured for K&N to take ownership of this issue.

Hopefully K&N is not like Ford in this regard. Ford executives decided that it would be cheaper to settle in court over exploding Pinto Gas Tanks than to spend a few dollars per car and make them safe (or at least, less flammable). Maybe we need to get Ralph Nader involved...

[Sam Mac_imp]

For what it's worth I just cut open a Honda filter, here is the thread.
http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=9739

[olekzap_imp]

I've had this issue with two K&N filters now. The first one wasn't leaking much and it was only a couple days before my oil change appointment so I didn't worry. This time however I noticed the leak about a week ago, same day I made an oil change appointment actually. I figured it was the same as last time, but after a couple days I could smell the burning oil. It's all over my cat, front of the engine case, and the filter is covered. Came here to see if anyone had a similar issue and found this thread. I can definitely see that the hex part of my filter isn't totally flush with the body of it like in the pictures. Luckily my oil level hasn't dropped a noticeable amount (yet).

My oil change is Saturday so I won't be riding until then because it's obvious this thing could just dump oil at any time. Sucks because the next two days are supposed to be the warmest this spring so far and now I have to drive to work. Better than dying I guess. Never using K&N again.

[Lord Popgun]

I just have to ask. Are the Honda filters THAT expensive? Thats all I use.

[the Ferret]

about $14 at a dealer about $9.50 on line. They are cheaper than the K&N's but for some reason people go all gaga over that 17mm nut on the front.

http://www.partzilla.com/parts/detail/ho...oCqa3w_wcB

[pekingduck]

One more problem with aftermarket oil filters, and not just K&N, and not for our models. Honda models that use a cartridge type filter (rather than spin-on like ours) have a warning stamped on one side marking which side faces out. Most aftermarket filters don't have that, and improper installation has been known to cause engine seizures (CBR250R and CBR300R and CB300F).

[LongRanger_imp]

I don't think it's the price argument. I think folks believe K&N filters are somehow superior to OE filters. Maybe it's the marketing hype. I've never heard of an engine failure caused by using OE filters.