So I have De-Snorked my CS, however I didn't have (or make) the time to put the mesh in there since I did it at night.
What I would like to know is how important is it really to have the mesh in there. I have heard of rumors of cigarette butts that can fly up in the cotton filter and start a fire, but I have not seen any stats or articles if that is really true. Also... If I put a K&N in there successfully (I was having a lot of trouble getting the K&N to fit) will this eliminate the threat since it is oiled, or would it be MORE flammable?
The car sounds so much better at high revs with the air restrictor gone.
thanks
chris
This sounds true to me.
NASHVILLE, TENN.: Air filter fire risk prompts big recall of Nissan Altimas
THE NEWS TRIBUNE
Published: July 12th, 2007 01:00 AM
Nissan is recalling more than 140,000 of its popular Altima sedans to replace air filters that could catch fire, company officials said.
The voluntary recall affects 2007 Altimas with four-cylinder, 2.5-liter engines produced between September 2006 and May 2007 at Nissan’s Smyrna, Tenn., plant and between October 2006 and May 2007 at its Canton, Miss., plant.
North America Inc. spokeswoman Frederique Le Greves said flammable objects, such as cigarettes, could enter the filter and catch fire.
Four engine compartment fires in February and March prompted Nissan to launch an investigation, according to Nissan’s report to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The company will install replacement filters made of less flammable material at no charge, and also an air deflector to keep debris from entering the air filter.
The Associated Press
The mesh that is suggested in the De-snork article will restrict very little air getting into air box. See the following link:
http://www.planet-9.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=29&cat=4&date=1161151595
It is at your own risk as to whether or not you put that mesh on, but for a few pennies isn't it worth protecting your $60K-$70K investment? The reason that restrictor plate was placed in front of the snorkel in the first place was a Boxster caught fire after ingesting a cigarette butt. Again it is up to you, but I would highly recommend it.
BoxsterInfo
See also the warning of engine ingesting a cigarette butt in the 2007 Owners Manual on page 18.
Plus, the mesh will also keep debris out as well such as rocks, leaves and bugs. Regardless of the fact that you have a reusable air filter the mesh still serves a purpose. Unless you are prepared to clean that filter once a month, do yourself a favor and put the mesh in. You will still have the great exhaust note that you have come to like.
Finally with regards to the K&N filter, try heating the rubber seal with a hair dryer just prior to installing it. The heat makes it a little more flexible and it will make it easier to put on. I had the same issue and this worked for me.
I think the mesh gives me some peace of mind that I will not suck up something.
It's been a year and 17,000km and no mesh over the airbox intake...same with my brothers car (21,000km) and no problems.
Don't worry about it.
One other item to note with regards to the mesh. There really isn't much of a hole for debris to fall out of in the snorkel. There is one that is really designed for water to drain out. What ever leaves, bugs, rocks, etc that somehow end up in the snorkel will stay there until you remove the air filter and clean it out.
Granted, it would be difficult for anything to get up there, but it could happen.
No mesh No worries
I have no mesh, and I have not had any problems. It is no different than any air intake before an air filter. anything that the mesh would stop will be stopped by the filter. As long as it is not something that is burning at the time it is a non issue. If I were a smoker, and regularly tossed butts out the window, I would leave the factory shield in place. The hot ash is likely to get sucked throught the mesh screen anyway.
