Mine didn't move until after the DD2s and Comp box. Then it move to 100% in a hurry with a K&N but no holes in the stock box.

 

I understand the reasoning above for letting the filter be quite dirty - better filtration. I've not changed mine yet because of this advice.<br><br>BUT - that being the case, using the same logic, why do we change the filter on our home heating furnaces when they get really dirty, too???<br><br>DW<br><br>

 

DeaconWayne: Your home heating furnace has a filter that in the automotive industry would be considered a rock catcher but not a filter. The furnace needs the air, and it must be &quot;clean&quot; enough not to have particles that will erode the fan. If this filter gets clogged your furnace will not work efficiently. If your truck's filter is clogged your truck will not work correctly. But on your truck, as on your furnace, you will just need a certain amount of air- as long as this amount goes through the filter you can't improve anything by changing the filter. <br><br>AlpineRAM

 

I did the sensible thing and installed a Scotty II..The most beautiful whirring noise you will ever hear, comes thru that hole in the firewall..Your own personal jet..Or as close as I'm gonna get...

 

I've noticed a lot of diesel owners could use some info on how to use their Filter Minder. The Minder is just a messenger, and is only telling the vacuum level on the clean side of the air filter. Depending on how it was engineered with the air induction system, with a new filter it may show zero, or may be up a notch or two. This is the clean filter restriction level. The typical air filter takes a long time to show any additional restriction from dirt/dust. It may take 50-75,000 miles depending on operating conditions. If you pull a filter and look at it, it will look dirty...........that's it's job !!!! In fact, it filters better than a new filter if it has a dust film. If you don't see the Minder go up, there is no increased restriction. If you change to a different aftermarket filter and see a difference in the Minder reading...........it's just telling you if that filter is more or less restrictive. If it goes all the way to red zone, you may want to think about what type of filter you just installed, as you've just increased the restriction in your air induction system. We've been taught for so many years that we need to constantly change air filters, and that's just not true. Many air filters will last 100,000 miles or more. If you just like changing filters frequently, that's fine, but don't blame the Minder. For more information go to www.filterminder.com

 

The dirty filter looks more like carbon, and not rural dust. If the Filter Minder did not show restriction, and even though the filter looks really bad..........believe it or not, it was passing enough air to the engine without any additional restriction. The Minder does not work in a linear manner, but stays low for most of the filter life, then goes up rapidly as a filter reaches the end of it's dirt holding capability. By the way, an air filter with a dust film actually filters better than a new filter. Many air filters will go 100,000 mles or more..............why even most OEM's recommend 30,000 mile changes, and you know they are conservative. Many folks just feel comfortable with a lilly white air filter.

 

Wow.

New record.

4 year old thread brought back to life only 2 weeks before it's 4 year anniversary.


phox

 

Yea I was having flashbacks when I opened the first page . My experience with the filter minder was it was not really useful except on stock filter and stock truck. Anything else it is just in the way. My latest AFE Stage II does not even have a pre-drilled hole to install it. It is in the drawer with all the other things .

 

This thread is dustier than the filters their talking about.

Rich.

 

Yeah, I am surprised the pictures in the original post showed up.

 

But the idea isn't to stop the air, it's to stop the dirt and allow the air to go through. The filter minder really isn't any different than those little lights on your dash that remind you to check your oil or your coolant.

 

I clicked on the original thread and thought "wow, Toms back...".

FWIW, my filter minder used to move almost all the way to 100% after a long throttle pull (like the filter was plugged); but after I drilled the air box, it never moves at all now.

No biggie, because I change mine out at least every 20k anyways. I see it like yet another solution to a non-problem.

 

I'm starting to wonder about the accuracy of those filter minders. Mine would suck down to 33% during the first drive after installing a new filter (SO w/EZ on level 2), and within a couple of months (2k miles) indicate the filter needed to be changed. I really don't drive in very dusty conditions often, at least I don't think so anyway. Some of you may remember I complained about a new Fleetgaurd filter sucking down the filter minder completely after the first drive or two, so I went to a NAPA Gold. That filter only lasted 6 months (6-7k miles). Anyway, I just installed an S&B intake yesterday, so I guess it doesn't matter anymore.

Just wondering if some filter minders are more sensitive than others, which would of course indicate a lack of quality control.

 

The only thing that can change the accuracy of the filter minder is the strength of the spring. Doubt that it varies much. What does vary is the amount of fuel mods different folks have and loads they pull that increases the need for more air. A stock truck will rarely pull down the minder until the filter is way plugged.
Before electronic "filter minders" came out the same style that comes with a Dodge has been standard on all manners of heavy equipment for at least 50 years. Think they've been well proven to work.

 

Suppose you're right (unless there is a leak somewhere).