
31200243 125
Maintenance Section
Engine Air Filter Primary
Element - Clean/Replace
Note: The primary air filter element can be used up to
three times if the element is properly cleaned and
inspected. Replace the primary air filter element if the
element has been in service for 500 hours or six
months. This replacement should be performed
regardless of the number of cleanings.
Illustration 236 g00950906
1. Open the engine enclosure.
2. Slide out retaining clip (1).
3. Release cover (2) from air filter housing (3) by
rotating counterclockwise. Remove the cover from
the housing.
4. Remove primary element (4) from filter housing (3).
To avoid dislodging any dust, take care to avoid
touching the element against the sides of the
housing. Inspect the primary element. If the pleats
or the seals are damaged, discard the primary
element. Replace a damaged primary element with
a clean primary element.
5. If the primary element is not damaged, you may
clean the primary element. Refer to Operation and
Maintenance Manual, "Cleaning Primary Air Filter
Elements".
6. When you clean the inside of the pleats, direct the
air along the pleats. Inspect the primary element
after you clean the primary element.
7. Clean the inside of the filter housing and clean the
cover. Pay particular attention to the sealing surface
of the outlet tube, which fits inside the primary
element.
8. Install a clean primary element.
9. Install the cover.
10. Reset the engine air filter service indicator by
pressing button (5).
Illustration 237 g00847436
11. Start the engine. If the engine air filter service
indicator (6) illuminates on the dash panel, install a
new primary element. Refer to the "Alert
Indicators" section of Operation and Maintenance
Manual, "Monitoring System" for further
information. Also, if the exhaust smoke is black,
install a new primary element. Replace the engine
air filter secondary element when you replace the
primary filter element. Refer to the Operation and
Maintenance Manual, "Engine Air Filter Secondary
Element - Replace".
12. Close the engine enclosure.
Cleaning Primary Air Filter Elements
NOTICE
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.