Yes. Also, the MAF is located close to the filter on the HHR, making this a very real possbility.

 

Yes the oil on the filter makes it's way up the intake tubbing and puts a fine coat on everything including the fine wires on the MAF used to calculate air flow into the engine, plus it gets on the throttle body, etc. I ran one on my Camaro, but the MAF was easy to get to, so every oil change I cleaned it. I've seen many cars come into the dealer with oiled air filters that exhibit drivablity problems due to oil from the filter coating the MAF. Just run a high quality paper filter.

 

What a bummer. And I thought I was getting a jump on things by buying goodies before my HHR gets here. Oh well, c'est la vie. By the way , I talked to the dealer today. They ordered last Thursday but don't have the confirmation back yet.

 

33-2339 Product Specifications
Product Style: Panel Air Filter
Height: 1.188 in (30 mm)
Outside Length: 13.75 in (349 mm)
Outside Width: 4.813 in (122 mm)
Filter Re-Oiling Amount: 0.91 oz (27 ml)
Weight: 0.9 lb (0.4 kg)
Product Box Length: 17.25 in (438 mm)
Product Box Width: 8.25 in (210 mm)
Product Box Height: 1.88 in (48 mm)



INFO FROM K&N FITERS

 

The last couple of K & N filters that I have bought are none oiling type. I believe most K & N's are that way now. I changed my oil the other day at 15,000 miles and thought I'd throw in a new air filter, but the maintenance manual mentioned changing the air filter at the 50,000 ile oil change. I thought this was really interesting. I didn't really understand the directions for changing the filter to be honest and I'm not completely mechanically challenged. Is it as difficult as it sounds?

 

No. It is really pretty easy.

1. Unplug the MAF sensor.
2. Loosen the clamp that connects the engine intake to the air box
3. Pull! - The airbox will pop right out of the rubber grommets
4. Loosen the clamp to the fresh air inlet to the air box.

Installation is reverse. Don't forget to re-plug in the MAF sensor. I forgot but noticed as soon as I got on the road. The service engine light was on, and it was shifting really rough.

 

N&N only makes air filters that you have to oil. Check out their site if you don't believe me http://www.knfilters.com/. There is no such think as a dry K&N filter, every single one they make is a reusable oil type.

 

10-4 I wonder why the filter has such a long schedule between replacement?
Thanks, Tex

 

Chevy is using ALL the current replacement filter elements in the assembly line so they will have enough to continue building HHR's.
They're hoping that by the time you get 50k on your car - they'll be caught up!

Seriously, the element is pretty well shielded and has a long air duct (in passenger fenderwell), this should help extend the filter life somewhat. I live in SoCal, and filters get full of crud from ALL the cars in front of you. I make it a practice to change mine at least every 10k. :)

YMMV

 

That all depends on your actual operating environment. The default air intake setup is really pretty protected. You aren't going to get a lot of "dirty" air coming in the way it is set up. Therefore it should last a long time before it needs to be changed. However, if I still lived in West Texas it would never last 50,000 miles. The entire month of March and most of April there is just one big dustbowl. Remember the pictures of the dustbowl in the roaring 20's from Jr High History Class. It still exists in West Texas every year during that time. Soooo, everyone changes out filters around May EVERY YEAR in that climate.