SEBU7899-05 77 Maintenance Section Engine Air Cleaner Element (Dual Element) - Inspect/Clean/Replace Cleaning the Primary Air Cleaner Elements NOTICE Caterpillar recommends certified air filter cleaning ser- vices that are available at Cat dealers. The Cat clean- ing process uses proven procedures to assure consis- tent 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 re- move dust. g00736431 Illustration 37 (1) Cover (2) Primary air cleaner element (3) Secondary air cleaner element (4) Turbocharger air inlet 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. 1. Remove the cover. Remove the primary air cleaner element. 2. The secondary air cleaner element should be removed and discarded for every three cleanings of the primary air cleaner element. Do not use air filters with damaged pleats, gaskets, or seals. Dirt entering the engine will cause damage to engine components. Note: Refer to “Cleaning the Primary Air Cleaner Elements”. 3.
Cover the turbocharger air inlet with tape in order to keep out dirt. The primary air cleaner element can be used up to six times if the element is properly cleaned and inspected. When the primary air cleaner element is cleaned, check for rips or tears in the filter material. The primary air cleaner element should be replaced at least one time per year. This replacement should be performed regardless of the number of cleanings. 4. Clean the inside of the air cleaner cover and body with a clean, dry cloth. 5. Remove the tape for the turbocharger air inlet. Install the secondary air cleaner element. Install a primary air cleaner element that is new or cleaned.
Use clean primary air cleaner elements while dirty elements are being cleaned. 6. Install the air cleaner cover. NOTICE Do not clean the air cleaner elements by bumping or tapping. This could damage the seals. Do not use el- ements with damaged pleats, gaskets or seals. Dam- aged elements will allow dirt to pass through. Engine damage could result. 7. Reset the air cleaner service indicator. Visually inspect the primary air cleaner elements before cleaning. Inspect the air cleaner elements for damage to the seal, the gaskets, and the outer cover. Discard any damaged air cleaner elements. There are two common methods that are used to clean primary air cleaner elements:
Pressurized air Vacuum cleaning