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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. |
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 Cat dealer has the proper air cleaner elements for your application. Consult your Cat 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 should be replaced at least one time per year. This replacement should be performed regardless of the number of cleanings.
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| Illustration 1 | g02626356 |
| (1) Air cleaner element | |
Note: This type of air cleaner element should be replaced after three cleanings.
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| Illustration 2 | g02626362 |
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(2) Air cleaner cannister
(3) Latches for the air cleaner cover (4) Cover for the air cleaner cannister | |
Note: This type of air cleaner element should be replaced after six cleanings.
Cleaning the Air Cleaner Element
Use a clean air cleaner element 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. |
Visually inspect the air cleaner elements before cleaning. Inspect the air cleaner elements for damage to the seal, the gaskets, and the outer cover. Inspect the filter material for rips and for tears. Discard any damaged air cleaner elements.
There are two common methods that are used to clean air cleaner elements:
- Pressurized air
- Vacuum cleaning
Remove the air cleaner element from the cannister by loosening the latches and removing the cover (if necessary).
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Personal injury can result from air pressure. Personal injury can result without following proper procedure. When using pressure air, wear a protective face shield and protective clothing. The maximum air pressure for cleaning purposes must be reduced to |
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| Illustration 3 | g00281692 |
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Typical air cleaner element | |
Note: When the 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 towards the inside of the element along the length of the filter to help prevent damage to the paper pleats. Do not aim the stream of air directly at the air cleaner element. Dirt could be forced further into the pleats.
Vacuum cleaning is a good method for cleaning 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.
Inspecting the Air Cleaner Element
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| Illustration 4 | g00281693 |
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Typical air cleaner element | |
Inspect the clean, dry air cleaner element. Use a 60 W blue light in a dark room or in a similar facility. Place the blue light in the air cleaner element. Rotate the air cleaner element. Inspect the air cleaner element for tears and/or holes. Inspect the air cleaner element for light that may show through the filter material. , Compare the air cleaner element to a new air cleaner element that has the same part number to determine if the filter is clean.
Do not use an air cleaner element that has any tears and/or holes in the filter material. Do not use an air cleaner element with damaged pleats, gaskets, or seals. Discard damaged air cleaner elements.
Replacing the Air Cleaner Element
Install a clean undamaged air cleaner element back into position. Install the cover for the cannister if necessary.
Storing the Air Cleaner Elements
If an air cleaner element that passes inspection will not be used, the air cleaner element can be stored for future use.
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| Illustration 5 | g00281694 |
Do not use paint, a waterproof cover, or plastic as a protective covering for storage. An air flow restriction may result. To protect against dirt and damage, wrap the air cleaner elements in Volatile Corrosion Inhibited (VCI) paper.
Place the air cleaner element into a box for storage. For identification, mark the outside of the box and mark the air cleaner element. Include the following information:
- Date of cleaning
- Number of cleanings
Store the box in a dry location.