mojosapi - Here is a quote about air filters and how they can correlate to engine wear from the AMSOIL brochure, "Motor Oil and Filtration Guide" -
What Causes Engine Wear?
"Automotive experts agree dirt is the number-one cause of engine wear. In fact, analysis by Federal-Mogul Corporation reveals that 43.4 percent of all engine bearing distress is caused by dirt.
Dirt particles are extremely abrasive, consisting of razor-like flakes of road dust and airborne grit drawn into the engine through the intake manifold. Along with manufacturing scarf and wear-metal particles generated inside the engine, these particles are carried by the oil into the precision clearances between bearings and other moving parts, where they grind and gouge surfaces, alter clearances and generate more abrasive debris. As this wear cycle continues, precision components become sloppy and fatigued until they fail altogether.
Filtration is the key to preventing costly engine repairs caused by dirt, removing contaminants by trapping and holding them outside the system of oil circulation. Truly effective filters must capture contaminants of all types and sizes. AMSOIL offers a complete line of sophisticated filtration products designed to offer the best protection available against virtually all harmful engine contaminants".
How Do You Stop Engine Wear?
"Air Filtration
An engine “breathes” air to mix with fuel for combustion – about 9,000 gallons of air for every gallon of gas. The air within one cubic mile over a typical city contains more than 400 tons of suspended dirt, and the concentration is much higher in rural areas where travel frequently takes place over unpaved roads.
The air filter is the engine’s first line of defense against abrasive airborne grit. It must effectively filter the dangerous particles without obstructing the vital flow of air that sustains the engine.
Conventional air filters quickly become obstructed with dirt, reducing vital engine air intake and leading to poor engine performance and low fuel efficiency. They require frequent replacement".