I am gonna try to service my air cleaner and noticed in my service manual they have torx screws to be tightened at around 20lbs.

I am wondering:

Do you need to buy a torx wrench, which seem to be real pricey, or is there a cheaper way, like an allen wrench for torx screws.

How often do you change the filter, or can it be washed for a long time>???

My manual says to wash it in a mild detergent then let it air dry.

Pardon my ignorance as I am just getting better with a wrench.

 

you dont need to use a torque wrench for your air cleaner you can just use your judgement and make sure its tight but if you're going to do any of your own maintenance you're going to need both a foot lbs. and a inch pounds torque wrench they're not that expensive I bought mine at sears If I remember I thing about $75.00 each It takes the guess work out of overtighting and ending up with a stripped torx head.

 

pickup a torx socket set,,,cheap,,,,u can get by without the torque wrench

 

A Craftsman(Sears)torx set is not that pricey if you compare to Snap On or Matco.
If you plan on doing your own service,buy the proper tools.
Dont forget the blue Loctite!

 

Buy a service manual and get the K&N replacement filter.