I know it doesn't seem like dirt should be getting into the oil, but it does. How is actively debated on BITOG forums and elsewhere. All I know is that when I did the oil analysis, the silica jumped significantly, so much so that Blackstone pointed out that something was wrong. My results seemed to agree with many that I found while searching google. My only suggestion is do your own testing with before and after.

Jeff

 

Thanks for the reply. I really appreciate your point of view.
It actually made me "google", as well. Not extensively, but in 5 minutes I found something very interesting. Probably an oil analysis is something that someone overly concerned about the effectiveness or not trusting the K&N brand should definitely do.

Nevertheless the bit on information I came across in just 5 minutes comes from a professional on the "oil" field.
He provides some great insight in the world of silica particles, formatted as an interview with an imaginary Dirtamus Silicapoulis. Don't ask me why he chose a pseudo-Latin/Greek name for a dirt particle, but here's the interesting observation I wanted to bring to attention:

So basically the PAPER filters, with MANN or MEYLE name on the box that we trust to protect the expensive wheels we have under our buttocks, actually allow MORE silica particles to get in than a cotton K&N filter.
At least that's what can be inferred from what this professional in the field says.

Great insight, Jeff. Thanks for opening my eyes.