First off I'm new to working on my cars so if i seem stupid forgive me, I'm still in the rookie, bush league, learning the basics stage. I have a 2004 RSX Type-S I bought about a year ago, the person who owned it last put a CAI on it. I was looking at cleaning it, but it must be a cheap one cause there is no manufacturer markings on it. Are the different cleaners compatible with each other i.e. can I clean an AEM with K&N cleaning solution? Are the cleaning solutions even worth it? Also does the brand name make a difference with CAIs. One of my friends says no, a cheap walmart knock off is as good as AEM or K&N, but other things I've read beg to differ. Should I just clean it or is it worth buying a AEM or K&N filter replacement? Thanks all.

 

Both aem cai and sri that i have dont use any oils or anything to clean. I just blow it off with air really good and call it a day. I would suggest just buying a new filter.

 

If you don't know what kind of filter it has I would buy a new high quality brand name filter... And most brand names mark their filter. I would recommend measuring the pipe diameter and then ordered an AEM Dryflow filter. They are synthetic polyester filters and they work great. To clean them you just dunk them in a bucket of water and blow them off. It'll be a well worthwhile 50 bucks to spend!

 

Thanks for the help, I guess it was easier than I thought to clean these things.