AIR CLEANER 1376996 - Caterpillar

Never run the engine without an air cleaner element installed. Never run the engine with a damaged air cleaner element. Do not use air cleaner elements with damaged pleats, gaskets or seals. Dirt entering the engine causes premature wear and damage to engine components. Air cleaner elements help to prevent airborne debris from entering the air inlet.
Never service the air cleaner element with the engine running since this will allow dirt to enter the engine.
Note: Use of a platform may be necessary to reach the air cleaner element.Clean the air cleaner elements or replace the air cleaner elements when the following conditions occur:
Inspect the air cleaner elements before the air filter restriction reaches 2.5 kPa (10 inches of H2O). A loss of engine performance may occur when the air filter restriction exceeds this limit.
The air cleaner elements must be cleaned or replaced before the air filter restriction exceeds 3.75 kPa (15 inches of H2O).Note: The air filter restriction is measured before the air inlet to the turbocharger compressor.Servicing the Air Cleaner Elements
Note: If the air cleaner is not manufactured by Caterpillar, follow the instructions that are provided by the OEM of the air cleaner.If the air cleaner element becomes plugged, the air can split the material of the air cleaner element. Unfiltered air will drastically accelerate internal engine wear. Your Cat dealer has the proper air cleaner elements for your application. Consult your Caterpillar dealer for the correct air cleaner element.
Check the precleaner (if equipped) daily for accumulation of dirt and debris. Remove any dirt and debris, as needed.Replace the dirty paper air cleaner elements with clean air cleaner elements. Before installation, thoroughly inspect the air cleaner elements for tears and/or holes in the filter material. Inspect the gasket or the seal of the air cleaner element for damage. Maintain a supply of suitable air cleaner elements for replacement purposes.
Remove the air cleaner cover. Remove the air cleaner element.
Cover the air inlet to the turbocharger with tape in order to keep dirt out.
Clean the inside of the air cleaner cover and body with a clean, dry cloth.
Remove the tape for the air inlet to the turbocharger. Install an air cleaner element that is new or cleaned.
Install the air cleaner cover. Inspecting Air Cleaner Elements
Illustration 1 g00281693Inspect the clean, dry air cleaner element. Use a 60 watt blue light in a dark room or in a similar facility. Place the blue light in the element. Rotate the element. Inspect the element for tears and/or holes. Inspect the element for light that may show through the filter material. If it is necessary in order to confirm the result, compare the element to a new element that has the same part number.Do not use an element that has any tears and/or holes in the filter material. Do not use an element with damaged pleats, gaskets or seals. Discard damaged elements.Storing Air Cleaner Elements
If an element that passes inspection will not be used, the element can be stored for future use.
Illustration 2 g00281694Do not