Really scared I messed up the engine

[858Smith]

I'm sorry if I sound really dumb, but this is usually my husband's area, but he's deployed to Iraq, so I was left to take care of an '06 Charger R/T and I know nothing about cars!!!

For the second time, the K&N air filter he had installed came off. It's been off for about 5 days MAX and that's pushing it. For the past 2 days, it's been raining and I've driven about 25 miles a day to get to and from work a day. I haven't driven on any dirt roads whatsoever.

It seems that the filter is too small for what it snaps on to, so I have to find a bigger filter tomorrow, if that's even made.

Anyway, I'm really scared I messed up the engine. I googled engine flush and was wondering if it was a good idea to get done at the dealer or any suggestions? The filter's on again for now for me to get to the store tomorrow to find another one or see what my options are.

I'm just freaking out sooo bad, especially b/c it was raining pretty hard.

Thanks for any help. I've googled it, but I can't seem to find anything, especially b/c I'm not too familiar with car lingo

[FLG]

I really would not worry one bit.

The engine sucked up a little more crap then usual...nothing major for the amount of time you had it off. Dont do any flushes, dont add any cleaners. Dont worry.

[BigBlackDodge]

I really would not worry one bit.

The engine sucked up a little more crap then usual...nothing major for the amount of time you had it off. Dont do any flushes, dont add any cleaners. Dont worry.

I agree. Don't worry about it.


BBD

[1Bad70Charger]

I really would not worry one bit.

The engine sucked up a little more crap then usual...nothing major for the amount of time you had it off. Dont do any flushes, dont add any cleaners. Dont worry.

I agree, you will be fine! 

[69charger440]

If the car is not acting up your fine!!! Heck I ran my 440 without an air filter for 4 months on dirts roads. Then I finally realized I should get one!! My motor was fine!! Dont worry about one thing!!!   God mad dirt, dirt dont hurt!!!!

[858Smith]

Thank you soooooooooo much, everyone! It's definitely not acting up, but I've noticed the past few days (I'm assuming b/c the filter was off) it would jerk when I took my foot off the gas, but it hasn't done it since my cousin put it back on for me.

Thanks again. I feel much better and less scared about telling my husband  Haha!

[resq302]

I have noticed the same thing when I work on my ford truck.  With the air filter assembly off, the engine has better response both accelerating and decelerating.  It is probably the sudden rush and then sudden slow down of the flow of air going into the the engine.  With putting the air fitler back on it kind of regulates the air coming into the engine.  Don't know if I helped explain it or not but I tried. 

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

I still wouldn't tell him

PS---welcome to the site

[ipstrategies]

I have a k&n type filter on my durango and it to has came off more then once. I noticed it almost immediately in warmer months but in winter with windows up and heat on not so much.
I finally changed the setup when I added headers and so far it is ok.

You will be fine!!!

[858Smith]

resq302, it makes sense! Thanks!

Just 6T9 CHRG, I ended up telling him only b/c I can't keep my mouth shut and he was fine with it. He just told me to order a bigger one like Advanced Auto Parts was gonna do Thanks for the welcome!

ipstrategies, what exactly do you mean by you added headers? I might need to do the same thing. My issue is the fact the filter's not wide enough to go over the piece that's connected to the tube. Thanks!

[69charger440]

resq302, it makes sense! Thanks!

Just 6T9 CHRG, I ended up telling him only b/c I can't keep my mouth shut and he was fine with it. He just told me to order a bigger one like Advanced Auto Parts was gonna do Thanks for the welcome!

ipstrategies, what exactly do you mean by you added headers? I might need to do the same thing. My issue is the fact the filter's not wide enough to go over the piece that's connected to the tube. Thanks!

Ipstrategies is talking about an exhaust upgrade!! It has nothing to do with you air filter! He was saying that he already had to fix the air filter so he might as well upgrade too, while the hood was up of course!! Nothing wrong with upgrades!!!

[858Smith]

Ohhh, okay!

[b5blue]

Hi 858Smith!  Welcome and tell hubbie we are all proud of his service to this great country of ours! The air filter loose is not the end of the world for a few days and the rain probably helped keep out sand or grit that could scratch the inside of the engine. Give yourself a high five for being alert and checking for a problem. Now have you checked the air pressure in the tires? 

[resq302]

Hi 858Smith!  Welcome and tell hubbie we are all proud of his service to this great country of ours! The air filter loose is not the end of the world for a few days and the rain probably helped keep out sand or grit that could scratch the inside of the engine. Give yourself a high five for being alert and checking for a problem. Now have you checked the air pressure in the tires? 

Depends on what year the car is if she needs to check the tire pressures or not.  Newer cars are mandated to have the tire pressure monitoring system to prevent tires from blowing out due to being run on low tire pressure.  This all came out of the explorer / firestone tire problems.

[b5blue]

06 RT I don't know when that started? 

[858Smith]

b5blue, thank you! I'm not sure if this is what you're talking about, but when the pressure's low, a little symbol comes lit on my dashboard. I know how to do it, though, and put air in it  My husband was so proud 

[twodko]

You go girl! You have questions.....we have answers. Semper Fi to your husband.

Tom

[858Smith]

Thank you!!!