Can a dirty air filter reduce gas mileage?

[Deadly BlaZe]

like the topic says.

 

[dave99gst]

yup--

 

[boredguy128]

i want to take this another step further for my own gain of knowledge

If the throttle is not wide open so no open loop, the air filter (not so dirty you can grow tomatoes in it.) is restricting air to the motor, wouldn't less air, mean less fuel. Just because the throttle plate isn't is controlling the air flow doesn't mean something else can't. I also realize the tps is taken into affect, but it really wouldn't matter till wide open throttle. The o2 will still try to change the a/f to match the ratio with less air.

so i am wondering if there is cases where this will not apply for decreasing gas mileage

every one always says yes, but never really states why

 

[EnticivEclipse]

on my nonturbo 2g im running a cold air intake for 3 years and i never cleaned the filter. it is black like crap and i still get 420 miles a tank with several WOT runs(its slow)

 

[Defiant]

It takes a helluva lot of dirt to close up an air filter enough to affect mileage. Compared to the intake, they're absolutely huge in surface area. Also, fuel injected motors don't have the same reaction to strangulation as a carburetor: you don't start sucking in raw gasoline when the air supply starts getting choked as you do through a carb.
If you feel guilty about your air filter, replace it. But it won't fix a gas consumption problem.

 

[nctsiawd]

Who cares; it makes less power. We're all here to make more power right??

 

[eclipse13]

So i just realized that I have changed my air filter since I bout my CAI almost 2 years ago. Would I notice a difference in the way it runs if I bought a K&N?

 

[K_Hill]

I would say not. It may make your intake make a louder sucking noise but thats bout it, but thats my .02 cents.

 

[blackGSX2g]

Most aftermarket CAI intake filters can be cleaned and re-used. Use the K&N recharge kit.

http://www.autotoys.com/x/catalog/KN_RECHARGE_KIT_FOR_AIR_FILTER_p_1778.html

 

[o0GuitarKid0o]

id say a clean air filter might help abit better airflow?

 

[NHerron]

Can you specify your question. Kudos for not starting a new thread btw

 

[DSM1G90]

Good searching to dig up an 8 yr old thread that has to be the most stupidest question to ask when owning a vehicle ... like, does smoking reduces chances of breathing clean air and destroying ones health ? Same difference.

 

[99GS_Turbo]

Its hard to say because my stock filter was so dirty that when i changed it to a dry filter and added a hard intake pipe, i went from 325 miles on a full tank to now I'm getting 388 miles on a full tank

 

[DSM1G90]

Please keep that thought and share it with others when they complain on their horrible gas mileage for a turbo setup.

Good luck - DSM

 

[JusMX141]

id say a clean air filter might help abit better airflow?

If this is a question, we appreciate that you actually searched and replied to a similar thread which already existed on the topic.

If this is a statement, I'm not exactly sure why you responded to an 8+-year-old thread to on a common-knowledge topic.

 

[o0GuitarKid0o]

Kinda both srry I just wanted some one else opinion on the matter thanks 96gs_turbo

 

[chico904]

Kinda both srry I just wanted some one else opinion on the matter thanks 96gs_turbo

Then Ill throw in another opinion on the matter....yes, a dirty air filter will reduce gas mileage.

 

[djuorna22]

not only that but it can also hold back your performance

 

[d1978]

The ECU only thinks one thing....no air , no fuel and vise versa.

 

[ILL eagle]

Yes it will reduce the mileage you get to the gallon if it is dirty and choking the motor from breathing properly.

 

[1slowhatch]

It takes a helluva lot of dirt to close up an air filter enough to affect mileage. Compared to the intake, they're absolutely huge in surface area. Also, fuel injected motors don't have the same reaction to strangulation as a carburetor: you don't start sucking in raw gasoline when the air supply starts getting choked as you do through a carb.
If you feel guilty about your air filter, replace it. But it won't fix a gas consumption problem.

+1. I've ran several cars with moderately dirty filters. Swapped to new, no discernible difference in mileage. It's one of those easy fixes auto parts chains love to push for sales, that don't really hurt as bad as they make it sound.

 

[jdezmit]

yes.