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Service the air filter only with the engine stopped. Engine damage could result. |
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Always change the air filter based on the Air Filter Service Indicator. Do not based service on the appearance of the filter. |
- The air filter is located on the left side of the machine. Open the engine access panel.
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Illustration 1 g01096335 - Remove cover (1).
- Remove air filter element (2).
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To avoid personal injury, always wear eye and face protection when using pressurized air.
- Clean the inside of the air filter housing.
- Install a clean primary air filter element. For more information, refer to "Cleaning the Primary Air Filter Element".
- Install cover (1).
- Close the engine access panel.
Cleaning the Primary Air Filter Element
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Caterpillar recommends certified air filter cleaning services available at participating Caterpillar dealers. The Caterpillar 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 Do not use air filters with damaged pleats, gaskets, or seals. Dirt entering the engine will cause damage to engine components. |
The element can be reused up to six times when the element is properly cleaned and inspected after each use. When the primary air filter element is cleaned, check for rips or tears in the filter material. The primary air filter element should be replaced at least one time per year. This replacement should be performed regardless of the number of cleanings.
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Do not clean the air filter 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. |
Visually inspect the primary air filter element before cleaning. Inspect the air filter element for damage to the seal, the gaskets, and the outer cover. Discard any damaged air filter elements.
There are two common methods that are used to clean the primary air filter element:
- Pressurized air
- Vacuum cleaning
Pressurized air can be used to clean a primary air filter element that has 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
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| Illustration 2 | g01096212 |
Note: When the primary air filter element is cleaned, always begin with the inside of the filter in order to force dirt particles toward the 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 filter element. Dirt could be forced further into the pleats.
Vacuum cleaning is another method for cleaning a primary air filter element which requires 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.
Inspecting the Primary Air Filter Elements
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| Illustration 3 | g01096213 |
Inspect the clean, dry primary air filter element. Use a 60 watt blue light in a dark room or in a similar facility. Place the blue light in the primary air filter element. Rotate the primary air filter element. Inspect the primary air filter element for tears and/or holes. Inspect the primary air filter element for light that may show through the filter material. If it is necessary in order to confirm the result, compare the primary air filter element to a new primary air filter element that has the same part number.
Do not use a primary air filter element that has any tears and/or holes in the filter material. Do not use a primary air filter element with damaged pleats, gaskets or seals. Discard damaged primary air filter elements.
Storing Primary Air Filter Elements
If a primary air filter element that passes inspection will not be used, the primary air filter element can be stored for future use.
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| Illustration 4 | g01096217 |
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 filter elements in Volatile Corrosion Inhibited (VCI) paper.
Place the primary air filter element into a box for storage. For identification, mark the outside of the box and mark the primary air filter element. Include the following information:
- Date of cleaning
- Number of cleanings
Store the box in a dry location.