Remove the Primary Element
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To avoid personal injury, always wear eye and face protection when using pressurized air. |
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| NOTICE |
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Caterpillar recommends certified air filter cleaning services that are available at 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 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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Never service the air cleaner element with the engine running since this will allow dirt to enter the engine. |
Service the air cleaner filter element when the yellow piston on the engine air filter service indicator enters the red zone or the indicator reads 63.5 cm (25 inch) of water. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Engine Air Filter Service Indicator - Inspect".
- Stop the engine and open the engine compartment.
- Loosen the three latches and remove the air cleaner cover.
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| Illustration 1 | g00887627 |
- Remove the primary filter element.
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| Illustration 2 | g00887628 |
- Clean the inside of the air cleaner housing.
- See in "Cleaning Primary Air Filter Elements" and "Inspecting Primary Air Filter Elements" for the proper procedures.
- Reverse the steps in order to install a clean primary filter element.
Cleaning Primary Air Filter Elements
Note: 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 air filter elements before cleaning for damage to the seal, the gaskets, and the outer cover. Discard any damaged air filter elements.
Use pressurized air or vacuum cleaning to clean primary air filter elements.
Pressurized Air
Dry, filtered, pressurized air 207 kPa (30 psi) (max) can clean the primary air filter elements that have not been cleaned more than two times.
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| 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). Pressurized air will not remove deposits of carbon and oil.
Regulate the air flow inside the element along the length of the filter in order to help prevent damage to the paper pleats. Do not aim the air stream directly at the primary air filter element. This could force dirt further into the pleats.
Vacuum Cleaning
In a dry, dusty environment that requires daily cleaning, use vacuum cleaning. Cleaning with pressurized air is recommended first. Vacuum cleaning will not remove deposits of carbon and oil.
Inspecting the Primary Air Filter Elements
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| Illustration 4 | g00281693 |
Use a 60 watt blue light in a dark room to inspect the clean, dry primary air filter element. Place the blue light in the primary air filter element and rotate the primary air filter element. Inspect the filter element for light that may show through the element from tears and/or holes. Confirm the results from the primary air filter element by the inspection of a new filter with the same part number, if necessary.
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
Properly cleaned primary air filter elements that are properly inspected can be used up to six times. If the filter element that passes inspection will not be used, store the element 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 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.