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| Never run the engine without an air cleaner element installed. Never run the engine with a damaged air cleaner element. Do not use air cleaner elements with damaged pleats, gaskets or seals. Dirt entering the engine causes premature wear and damage to engine components. Air cleaner elements help to prevent airborne debris from entering the air inlet. |
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| Never service the air cleaner element with the engine running since this will allow dirt to enter the engine. |
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Servicing the Air Cleaner Elements
If the air cleaner element becomes plugged, the air can split the material of the air cleaner element. Unfiltered air will drastically accelerate internal engine wear. Your Caterpillar dealer has the proper air cleaner elements for your application. Consult your Caterpillar dealer for the correct air cleaner element.
- Check the precleaner (if equipped) daily for accumulation of dirt and debris. Remove any dirt and debris, as needed.
- Operating conditions (dust, dirt, and debris) may require more frequent service of the air cleaner element.
- The air cleaner element may be cleaned up to six times if the element is properly cleaned and inspected.
- The air cleaner element should be replaced at least one time per year. This replacement should be performed regardless of the number of cleanings.
Replace the dirty paper air cleaner elements with clean air cleaner elements. Before installation, the air cleaner elements should be thoroughly checked for tears and/or holes in the filter material. Inspect the gasket or the seal of the air cleaner element for damage. Maintain a supply of suitable air cleaner elements for replacement purposes.
Dual Element Air Cleaners
The dual element air cleaner contains a primary air cleaner element and a secondary air cleaner element. The primary air cleaner element can be used up to six times if the element is properly cleaned and inspected. The primary air cleaner element should be replaced at least one time per year. This replacement should be performed regardless of the number of cleanings.
The secondary air cleaner element is not serviceable or washable. The secondary air cleaner element should be removed and discarded for every three cleanings of the primary air cleaner element. When the engine is operating in environments that are dusty or dirty, air cleaner elements may require more frequent replacement.
| Illustration 1 | g00736431 |
| (1) Cover
(2) Primary air cleaner element (3) Secondary air cleaner element (4) Turbocharger air inlet |
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- Remove the cover. Remove the primary air cleaner element.
- The secondary air cleaner element should be removed and discarded for every three cleanings of the primary air cleaner element.Note: Refer to “Cleaning the Primary Air Cleaner Elements”.
- Cover the turbocharger air inlet with tape in order to keep out dirt.
- Clean the inside of the air cleaner cover and body with a clean, dry cloth.
- Remove the tape for the turbocharger air inlet. Install the secondary air cleaner element. Install a primary air cleaner element that is new or cleaned.
- Install the air cleaner cover.
- Reset the air cleaner service indicator.
Cleaning the Primary Air Cleaner Elements
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| Caterpillar recommends certified air filter cleaning services that are available at Cat dealers. The Cat cleaning process uses proven procedures to assure consistent quality and sufficient filter life.
Observe the following guidelines if you attempt to clean the filter element: Do not tap or strike the filter element in order to remove dust. Do not wash the filter element. Use low pressure compressed air in order to remove the dust from the filter element. Air pressure must not exceed 207 kPa (30 psi). Direct the air flow up the pleats and down the pleats from the inside of the filter element. Take extreme care in order to avoid damage to the pleats. Do not use air filters with damaged pleats, gaskets, or seals. Dirt entering the engine will cause damage to engine components. |
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The primary air cleaner element can be used up to six times if the element is properly cleaned and inspected. When the primary air cleaner element is cleaned, check for rips or tears in the filter material. The primary air cleaner element should be replaced at least one time per year. This replacement should be performed regardless of the number of cleanings.
Use clean primary air cleaner elements while dirty elements are being cleaned.
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| Do not clean the air cleaner elements by bumping or tapping. This could damage the seals. Do not use elements with damaged pleats, gaskets or seals. Damaged elements will allow dirt to pass through. Engine damage could result. |
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Visually inspect the primary air cleaner elements before cleaning. Inspect the air cleaner elements for damage to the seal, the gaskets, and the outer cover. Discard any damaged air cleaner elements.
There are two common methods that are used to clean primary air cleaner elements:
- Pressurized air
- Vacuum cleaning
Pressurized Air
Pressurized air can be used to clean primary air cleaner elements that have not been cleaned more than two times. Pressurized air will not remove deposits of carbon and oil. Use filtered, dry air with a maximum pressure of 207 kPa (30 psi).
Note: When the primary air cleaner elements are cleaned, always begin with the clean side (inside) in order to force dirt particles toward the dirty side (outside).
Aim the hose so that the air flows inside the element along the length of the filter in order to help prevent damage to the paper pleats. Do not aim the stream of air directly at the primary air cleaner element. Dirt could be forced further into the pleats.
Note: Refer to “Inspecting the Primary Air Cleaner Elements”.
Vacuum Cleaning
Vacuum cleaning is a good method for cleaning primary air cleaner elements which require daily cleaning because of a dry, dusty environment. Cleaning with pressurized air is recommended prior to vacuum cleaning. Vacuum cleaning will not remove deposits of carbon and oil.
Note: Refer to “Inspecting the Primary Air Cleaner Elements”.
Inspecting the Primary Air Cleaner Elements
Inspect the clean, dry primary air cleaner element. Use a 60 watt blue light in a dark room or in a similar facility. Place the blue light in the primary air cleaner element. Rotate the primary air cleaner element. Inspect the primary air cleaner element for tears and/or holes. Inspect the primary air cleaner element for light that may show through the filter material. If it is necessary in order to confirm the result, compare the primary air cleaner element to a new primary air cleaner element that has the same part number.
Do not use a primary air cleaner element that has any tears and/or holes in the filter material. Do not use a primary air cleaner element with damaged pleats, gaskets, or seals. Discard damaged primary air cleaner elements.
Storing Primary Air Cleaner Elements
If a primary air cleaner element that passes inspection will not be used, the primary air cleaner element can be stored for future use.
Do not use paint, a waterproof cover, or plastic as a protective covering for storage. An airflow restriction may result. To protect against dirt and damage, wrap the primary air cleaner elements in Volatile Corrosion Inhibited (VCI) paper.
Place the primary air cleaner element into a box for storage. For identification, mark the outside of the box and mark the primary air cleaner element. Include the following information:
- Date of cleaning
- Number of cleanings
Store the box in a dry location.