Quick Question about K&N drop in filter

[shanamichi]

Hi, I am new to this forum and nice to meet you guys
I have a quick question. I have a 2003 protege5 manual transmission and I just bought a K&N drop in filter part number 33-2134. I want to make sure this is the right filter for my 5 and if it is the right filter. I installed it but I have trouble closing the intake box lid (especially on the left side where there are three holder things) since its sitting a little higher then the normal air filter, so I am wondering if this is normal or common for this K&N filter, and i finally managed to close the box lid, but it seems to a really small gap on the left side, will this be alright? I test drove the car for about a mile with no idle problem or what so ever. Thanks in advance.

 

[RMW Guy]

Yes, it is the correct filter for the Protege5.

I have found that sometimes a new K+N filter will need a bit of persuasion to fit a factory air box. They are pretty soft which allows for more compression that a factory style filter.

Sometimes you can get it to fit just by turning it around(not over).

The cover really should be completely closed so I would suggest checking that there isn't something preventing that.

That said, it won't really hurt anything if you leave it. The air will still pass the the filter even if it doesn't take the intake route.

 

[shanamichi]

I am pretty sure nothing else is preventing the lid to close because, i tried to put the original paper filter back in and the box closes perfectly, but I have drove the car for the whole day today and didn't notice any problem so i guess its fine. Thanks for the reply

 

[drgnzadiel101]

make sure to push the filter in all the way. also make sure none of the clips are in the way. its a tight squeeze but its fits flush when finished.

 

[slavrenz]

Yes, it is the correct filter for the Protege5.

I have found that sometimes a new K+N filter will need a bit of persuasion to fit a factory air box. They are pretty soft which allows for more compression that a factory style filter.

Sometimes you can get it to fit just by turning it around(not over).

The cover really should be completely closed so I would suggest checking that there isn't something preventing that.

That said, it won't really hurt anything if you leave it. The air will still pass the the filter even if it doesn't take the intake route.

If you have air getting in to your engine through a small slit in the side of your air filter box, you better believe that it's not getting filtered and that it's bad for your engine.

Make sure that thing seals tight all around.

 

[RMW Guy]

If you have air getting in to your engine through a small slit in the side of your air filter box, you better believe that it's not getting filtered and that it's bad for your engine.

Make sure that thing seals tight all around.

I agree but it sounds to me like the filter was sealed to the base but the cover left only a small opening on the side which would allow air to enter the filter from the side, through the gauze.

A picture would help us see what the actual problem is, however.

The OP should get it to close completely but it doesn't sound like that is going to happen.

 

[gus5]

I had this problem with mine. If you try and angle the top so the three little tabs go in first, then press it down and clip the other side, it will work. It's a little trickier than the normal air filter, but it will fit in there fine and seal up.

 

[shanamichi]

I had this problem with mine. If you try and angle the top so the three little tabs go in first, then press it down and clip the other side, it will work. It's a little trickier than the normal air filter, but it will fit in there fine and seal up.

Yea, this is what I did to close it up, i will try to get a pic when i get the chance. Thank you guys

 

[shanamichi]

Hi guys, here are some pic of the intake box. These are cell phone pics so hope you guys can see what I am talking about.

 

[RMW Guy]

That looks fine to me. Unless you trim the K+N rubber(I wouldn't) you probably won't get a better seal.