NOTICE |
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Service the air cleaner only with the engine stopped. Engine damage could result. |
Service the air cleaner filter element when the engine fault indicator is activated. The engine fault indicator is located inside the cab. The engine fault indicator will activate when there is an inlet air restriction, and the Advisor display will provide a message regarding the specific problem. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Monitoring System" for further information.
Note: In order to access the air filter elements, it may be necessary to use a portable access system (ladder, stair assembly, man lift, or other portable access system) that is suitable and compliant to local regulations.
Wear the proper personal protection equipment when pressurized air is used.
Illustration 1 | g03395291 |
Location of the air filter housings. |
- Prepare the machine for maintenance. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Prepare the Machine for Maintenance".
Note: This machine is equipped with ultra high efficiency (primary) air filter elements.
Show/hide tableIllustration 2 g01217472 - Remove covers (1) for the air filter housings.
- Remove primary filter elements (2) from the air filter housings.
- Clean the inside of the air filter housings.
- Clean the dust valves on the bottom for the air filter housings.
- Install clean primary air filter elements. Install the covers for the air filter housings.
Cleaning Primary Air Filter Elements
NOTICE |
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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 primary air filter element can be used up to six times if the element is properly cleaned and the element is properly inspected. 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.
Visually inspect the primary air filter elements before cleaning. Inspect the air filter elements for damage to the seal, the gaskets, and the outer cover.
There are two common methods that are used to clean primary air filter elements:
- Pressurized air
- Vacuum cleaning
Pressurized air can be used to clean primary air filter 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
Illustration 3 | g00281692 |
Note: When the primary air filter 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 filter element. Dirt could be forced further into the pleats.
Vacuum cleaning is another method for cleaning primary air filter 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 Primary Air Filter Elements
Illustration 4 | g00281693 |
Inspect the clean, dry primary air filter element. Use a 60W 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.