Originally posted by Fallon SVT:
I installed my KKM with out the screen almost 4 years ago and have never had a problem with performance. I also clean my filter ever 3-4000 miles. I have not noticed any excessive wear or tear. That may be excesive but I will use any excuse to tinker with my car.
From K&N's website (somewhere - I just read it yesterday): "Our filters are designed to be cleaned a maximum of 25 times. After that, they should be replaced." There is such a thing as cleaning it too much. I imagine this goes for any oiled cotton gauze filter.
Also, not having the screen isn't really a performance problem, but it may be keeping you from achieving maximum performance. Ford didn't put it in there for no reason (or they would have just left it out).
