I recently replaced my air filter with a k&n 33-2260 filter and I noticed that it leaves a huge gap in between the boxes that doesn’t allow it to close all the way. Will it hurt my engine if I can’t close it all the way? Or does the filter itself make a seal between the two boxes. I inserted a picture below.

If we are talking about this small gap here then NO it won't make any difference. The K&N filter still seals, you can't see the filter like most Fram or others. I would go back to a regular filter but to each their own. I stopped using K&N air filters long ago. What's up with the taped wires on that plug?

 

Probably some work my mechanic did but I wouldn't even know I've had this car for a couple of months now.

 

Use an OEM air filter and you won't have any troubles at all. That K&N filter won't filter as good as an OEM air filter.

 

I just put in a new OEM filter and it fit perfectly. Nothing beats OEM in my opinion. I know a lot of folks favor third party a lot of times to save some money but I've developed a relationship with my local Toyota dealer and their friendly parts counter people are happy to give a nice discount. Point being if you want a Toyota OEM part, just ask if they can give you a break on the cost.

 

does anyone know where i can find the clips for a 3MZFE air filter box? im missing the one closest to the front of the car. of a part number would be nice. cant find anything on toyotas site.

 

The 04 Highlander only has bolts that hold the two air housings together. No clips are shown.

 

I’ve seen them at the junkyard they still have clips like 01-03. Other 3MZ cars like RX330/Camry/Sienna have a difference box with two bolts

They don’t sell the clips independently, but there are a few knockoffs available. Toyota has replacement clips for the Tacoma TRD air box, they look similar but not sure if they’d fit

PN: PTR0335090AE

Nissan has one that may fit too
16598-ET00A

 

My used 2005 had a broken "pin" on the air filter box. My Toyota dealership said Toyota doesn't offer the replacement clamp. I drilled two new holes and used the shaft of a pop rivet for the new "pin". Then, after ordering a few versions of clamps from Amazon, found this to be the perfect fit. Various versions look the same but the space between the two "claws" of the clamp makes a difference.

Amazon.com: 4PCS Silver Car Air Filter Cleaner Housing Box Lid Spring Clip Clamp for Car Air Filters : Automotive

Buy 4PCS Silver Car Air Filter Cleaner Housing Box Lid Spring Clip Clamp for Car Air Filters: Air Filters - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

My used 2005 had a broken "pin" on the air filter box. My Toyota dealership said Toyota doesn't offer the replacement clamp. I drilled two new holes and used the shaft of a pop rivet for the new "pin". Then, after ordering a few versions of clamps from Amazon, found this to be the perfect fit. Various versions look the same but the space between the two "claws" of the clamp makes a difference.

Amazon.com: 4PCS Silver Car Air Filter Cleaner Housing Box Lid Spring Clip Clamp for Car Air Filters : Automotive

Buy 4PCS Silver Car Air Filter Cleaner Housing Box Lid Spring Clip Clamp for Car Air Filters: Air Filters - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Went to the junkyard to grab a blower motor and the airbox clips/clamps. Upon inspection, I see that the pin on mine is also broken. I’ll have to do what you did.

 

I recently replaced my air filter with a k&n 33-2260 filter and I noticed that it leaves a huge gap in between the boxes that doesn’t allow it to close all the way. Will it hurt my engine if I can’t close it all the way? Or does the filter itself make a seal between the two boxes. I inserted a picture below. I also do not know if this is related but my acceleration has felt a little more sluggish, could this be the reason why?

I had the exact same problem when I changed to a K&N filter. I can't remember the reference but it's the one recommended for my Highlander. The issue is that the rubber gasket surrounding the filter is very thick and makes it hard to push the top half of the air box all the way into the slots of the bottom half. You likely didn't realise the slots hadn't been properly engaged (like me). You almost have to stand on the box cover it's so hard. I've a post on this. Over time it gets a little easier but I do think K&N should have a slightly thinner gasket.
It won't hurt your engine per se to not have the air box closed properly and likely no air is getting in that way anyway due to the gasket. You can actually drive without a filter as what it does is removes/reduced the dust, leaves, and lizards (where I am) from getting into the cylinders. Over the long term however driving without a filter will cause higher wear to your cylinders and components from all that dust (not sure about the lizards).

 

I had a 2005 Highlander from new until last January. It had the same air filter box. It was a real pain to replace the filter and get it back together properly. That isn’t right. That gap will allow unfiltered air into the intake. The rear hinge clips are not engaged and if the metal spring clips on the front corners are intact, they won’t go together either. Forget the K&N if it isn’t the same dimensions as the OEM one. It will never fit properly if it isn’t.

 

Good luck! My repair worked great. I got the idea from the YouTube I've linked below. You can use any sort of shaft you might have in your garage. Carefully plan where you want to drill the holes relative to where they were originally. The fellow in the video recommended things like a finishing nail but I realized I could use the shaft of an aluminum pop rivet. I bent a 90 degree angle on one end first, inserted it into my newly drilled hole, and then by holding the other end with a needle nose pliers, very carefully bent the other end about 90 degrees so the shaft would remain captured. It is important to keep the pressure while bending off of the thin plastic - hence the two pliers technique. I also had to carefully close the gaps on the "claws" on the clips I got from Amazon a bit so the clamp would remain on the shaft when unclipped. PS not all clamps work on our box and I had to order a few varieties from Amazon. If you have one from the salvage yard, you'll be good to go. Otherwise I linked the part in my other post. Let us know how it works out!