Can a new Air filter really make that much of a difference? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

stcbenz83 · #1 09-23-2008, 12:43 PM

Sorry this is kind of a pointless post, but i'm just amazed by the results. So i'd been noticing that my car has been smoking more on start-up and while idling. I thought i needed another valve adjustment, or something else. However, i remembered earlier in the year, when i took it to get an oil change, they told me that i needed a new air filter. After searching posts on here about smoking, and a clogged air filter. I went and finally bought a new one (since this isn't my DD, i tend to forget about these things). I put it in and WOW! I have no smoke on start-up or idle, and thier also seems to be less nauseating fumes? What an improvement for such little cost!

1985300d · #2 09-23-2008, 12:57 PM

if you haven't, do your 2 fuel filters

#3 09-23-2008, 01:16 PM

Changing the air filter once a year isn't enough in some places.

I suggest getting a filterminder.

http://www.filterminder.com/

Quote:

We make it easy for you to tell when it's time to change filters.

The myth is that an automotive air filter should be changed about every 6,000 miles, or when it "looks dirty." The fact is, a certain amount of dirt in an air filter actually increases its filtering efficiency by reducing the size of the holes in the filter media which helps stop smaller dirt particles. This means that instead of a maximum life of 6,000 miles, the typical air filter may actually last anywhere from 60,000 to 100,000 miles! Filters do not plug based on time or mileage. They plug based on the operating environment of the vehicle.

The Filter Minder® takes the guesswork out of when to change your air filter because it doesn't care how dirty the air filter looks or how long it's been installed. It only cares how well the filter is working. When the filter gets restricted, the Filter Minder® will let you know.

dannym · #4 09-23-2008, 01:29 PM

As long as I'm getting boost I'm good.

patbob · #5 09-23-2008, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stcbenz83

Sorry this is kind of a pointless post, but i'm just amazed by the results. So i'd been noticing that my car has been smoking more on start-up and while idling. I thought i needed another valve adjustment, or something else. However, i remembered earlier in the year, when i took it to get an oil change, they told me that i needed a new air filter. After searching posts on here about smoking, and a clogged air filter. I went and finally bought a new one (since this isn't my DD, i tend to forget about these things). I put it in and WOW! I have no smoke on start-up or idle, and thier also seems to be less nauseating fumes? What an improvement for such little cost!

Same happens to me. Ditto when I did the K&N knockoff to stock "downgrade", and again last Sunday after I adjusted the valves. If the improvement lasts more than a few days, it's real, else I chalk it up to psychological. Its nice to think I improved things, even if I didn't really, but the real benefit for me is to defer the day I have to drive a munchkinmobile (I'm 6'4").

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1985300d

if you haven't, do your 2 fuel filters

I don't understand how this could affect the problem -- I'd think plugged filters would restrict fuel, less fuel for the same amount of air should give less smoke (and less power) on a diesel. That not so?