Remove the Primary Element
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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 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".
- Open the engine compartment.
- Open the air filter housing.
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| Illustration 1 | g00900551 |
- Remove the primary filter element.
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| Illustration 2 | g00900879 |
- Reverse the steps in order to install the primary filter element.
Cleaning Primary Air Filter Elements
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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 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. |
The primary air filter element can be used up to six times if the element is properly cleaned and 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.
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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 elements before cleaning. Inspect the air filter elements 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 primary air filter elements:
- Pressurized air
- Vacuum cleaning
Pressurized Air
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 207 kPa (30 psi).
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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).
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
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
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| Illustration 4 | g00281693 |
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 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.