Cleaning Primary Air Filter Elements
NOTICE |
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AVSpare recommends certified air filter cleaning services available at participating AVSpare dealers. The AVSpare 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 if 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.
NOTICE |
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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 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
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Illustration 1 | 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
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Illustration 2 | 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 3 | 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.
Replacing the Air Filter Element
The air filter element should be replaced immediately if the element is damaged.
- Open the engine access door.
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Illustration 4 g00824422 - Unclamp the access cover and remove the access cover to the air cleaner.
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Illustration 5 g00824426 - Remove the primary filter element from the air cleaner housing.
- Inspect the filter element. If the pleats, the gaskets or the seals are damaged, discard the filter element. Replace damaged filter elements with new filter elements.
- Wipe dust from the interior of the air cleaner housing. Remove the cover from the air inlet port. Leave the secondary filter element in place while you clean the air cleaner housing.
- Put the clean air filter element into the air cleaner housing and push the air filter element into position.
- Install the access cover.
- Close the engine access door.