Challenger air filter

[Cruiser]

Anyone using this on their Mooney? Does it work as advertised? Increase HP and reduce FF?

[jetdriven]

I had a toss-up between the Challenger (a rebranded K&N filter) and the Donaldson. I had the Brackett and was convinced it was holding us up a little.  The Donaldson used to be made of paper and had an AD, althought I believe it no longer applies as it is synthetic media, not paper. No written confirmation of that yet.

Anyways, the test results I saw published by Donaldson showed the Challenger and Donaldson flowed more air than the Brackett, but the Challenger flowed more dirt too.

I like air and not dirt. I chose the Donaldson. Its washable and last 500 hours. 

 

WFO FF is more by a half a gallon (more airflow = more fuel flow on an RSA-5), and we have found that the same degrees LOP and and FF maybe another knot.  It is more efficint based on the idea that WFO MP is a little higher than with the Brackett filter. Whether you elect to convert that to horsepower with fuel as well, or same FF with slightly more airspeed is up to you.

[GeorgePerry]

Quote: Cruiser

Anyone using this on their Mooney? Does it work as advertised? Increase HP and reduce FF?

[Steve65E-NC]

Byron, so please tell us more about this Donaldson filter.  Do they make it for other Mooney Models (E??).  What is involved in changing from a Brackett.  How much does it cost and where do you find it??  I have real a lot about the K&N but this one is new to me.

[Steve65E-NC]

Byron, so please tell us more about this Donaldson filter.  Do they make it for other Mooney Models (E??).  What is involved in changing from a Brackett.  How much does it cost and where do you find it??  I have real a lot about the K&N but this one is new to me.

[Guest]

I been very happy with the challenger ( K&N ) for the past several years, sure beats the old 0E style. 

I believe I got everything they advertised and more. 

[PilotDerek]

Does the Donaldson air filter for the M20J work on the M20F? I was looking at their eligibility list and it does not mention the M20E's and F's? On another note what is involved with installing the challenger air filter in a M20F?   

[pjsny78]

I have this on my J and it started falling apart recently so i just bought another one. great customer support.

 i got the replacement for 1/2 off outside of warranty.

 

[jetdriven]

It appears to be a different part number for something other thann an M20J.  they offer a Donaldson filter for M20A-D and G, but not E or F.   Challenger does, so I would get one of those. Anything but the Brackett.

[fantom]

Quote: jetdriven

Anything but the Brackett.

[jetdriven]

It functions fine. It just costs you some efficiency.  Think about it, a oil soaked sponge is not the best method to filter air. My lawnmower used to have one too, but now even my ten year old honda mower had a paper filter. 

[fantom]

Quote: jetdriven

Think about it, a oil soaked sponge is not the best method to filter air.

[INA201]

would it be the consensus to get rid of my foam Bracket filter and go with Donaldson or K&N?  Have most folks deBracketted their planes?  

[Bob - S50]

Don't know about consensus, but we switched our J over to a Donaldson.  I swear we got an extra inch of MP at altitude and no oily mess.

[orionflt]

Put a Challenger (K&N) filter on my C several years ago and love it, definite increase in MP by about an inch.

 

Brian 

[Marauder]

Just now, orionflt said:

Put a Challenger (K&N) filter on my C several years ago and love it, definite increase in MP by about an inch.

 

Brian 

Notice any increase in silicone (dirt) in the oil analysis?

[orionflt]

no, but that is because I don't analyze my oil, only have a few hours on the engine since it was torn apart and not making any metal in the filter. I usually won't worry about oil analysis unless the engine is older in years or hours, has sat for a while, or has been making metal.  

Brian 

[Marauder]

4 minutes ago, orionflt said:

no, but that is because I don't analyze my oil, only have a few hours on the engine since it was torn apart and not making any metal in the filter. I usually won't worry about oil analysis unless the engine is older in years or hours, has sat for a while, or has been making metal.  

Brian 

The reason I ask is that I am currently flying with a Brackett air filter. Anytime my airport began new construction, I always noticed an increase in dirt being detected. It would go away when the construction stopped. I often wonder if it was because the Brackett filter didn't catch it or I had some sort of induction leak.

[INA201]

I think I'll go with the Donaldson.  Seems to be reviewed a little better or at least equal to the K&N.  Anyone know if I need anything besides just ordering the filter?  I'll be really impressed if it adds an 1" to MP.  Thanks gang!

[orionflt]

brackett filters are very porous and use the oil to catch the dust and dirt, once the filter is saturated in any area it will allow smaller particles to pass thru and at the same time restrict air flow because the amount of area that the air can pass thru has been reduced. the Challenger system is basically the same but was designed to improve airflow thru a smaller micron filter. the smaller pores on the membrane catches more of the particulates.

With the construction being done on your field I would consider changing out your filter at shorter intervals due to the increased dust and dirt, if you have the Challenger filter, then I would recommend cleaning that more often. when I put my Challenger filter on i considered all the factors and compared cost, the challenger filter cost me the same as the brackett filters would over the life of the Challenger filter.   

Brian

[thinwing]

I use the challenger (k and n) and if the filter is serviced every oil change hours no silacon (dirt)is showing up on the oil analysis.When I change oil at 25 hours I spray the detergent on the filter and you can see the dirt run out of the filter in the rinse water..Than the red oil is sprayed on and set on blue shop towels to absorb excess oil....all this while the oil is draining...I like that I can buy the challenger maintaince kit at the auto parts store selling k and n filters which are very popular with dirt bike riders.

 

 

 

[orionflt]

1 hour ago, INA201 said:

I think I'll go with the Donaldson.  Seems to be reviewed a little better or at least equal to the K&N.  Anyone know if I need anything besides just ordering the filter?  I'll be really impressed if it adds an 1" to MP.  Thanks gang!

Looking at the Donaldson, you only get 5 washes/500 hours for $105, the challenger is 2X the price but will last 25 cleanings, that is basically longer then TBO for the engine. just my 2¢

Brian

[thinwing]

Well not quite TBO...more like 6 or 700 hours....but remember the K and N s are producing more filters than the other mfd s combined...they have it down...rumor has it the challenger filter that fits my Bravo is actually a case tractor filter...basically a 4 1/2 in by 15 in tube...

[cliffy]

I used a K&N on my C for a while but found that the "fuzzy" stuff wore off on the inlet side leaving me with mostly screen and not filter. I could hold it up to light (sun) and drive a car through the holes. FWIW I went back to Bracket and have been pleased since. My only issue with Bracket is in dusty areas even while sitting, the filter clogs up with dirt and must be replaced. Can't really "clean and reoil" a Bracket foam filter. 

[orionflt]

Just now, cliffy said:

I used a K&N on my C for a while but found that the "fuzzy" stuff wore off on the inlet side leaving me with mostly screen and not filter. I could hold it up to light (sun) and drive a car through the holes. FWIW I went back to Bracket and have been pleased since. My only issue with Bracket is in dusty areas even while sitting, the filter clogs up with dirt and must be replaced. Can't really "clean and reoil" a Bracket foam filter. 

I have had mine for 8-9 years and it still looks like new after I clean it, I will have to keep an eye on it to see if it starts to deteriorate. 

Brian