SPRING 2003280 - Caterpillar

Separator Cleaning Procedure
Illustration 44 g03699877
It is recommended that this procedure is carried out with every coalescer change to ensure full potential and longer life of the separator. Make sure that hands are kept clean and free of grease or other contamination throughout the cleansing operation. It is also recommended that gloves (preferably thin rubber) be worn throughout this operation to avoid contact between bare hands and the separator screen / mesh.
CAREFULLY remove each element from the filter separator.
Submerge the element in clean, dry fuel and wash it using a gentle, reciprocating action, holding the element first by one end cap and then the other. (DO NOT touch the separator screen/mesh with your bare hands, or allow any grease to come into contact with the element.)
Holding the element by the endcaps, visually inspect the entire surface of the screen for damage and contamination. If there are any visible flaws or debris that have not been removed by washing, the cartridge should be replaced.
While separator is fuel wet, hold the element horizontal and allow tap water to drip onto the screen. The water must not be sprayed and it must not fall more than 3" (7.5 cm) before contacting the screen. The water will run off instantly if the element is not contaminated. Continue testing the element by slowly rotating and moving it back and forth until the entire surface has been tested. If the water does not run off, but disappears through the screen and is found inside the element, then the element has to be further cleaned as described in step.
If the element passes the surface inspection (step 3) and the water test (step 4), rinse it thoroughly in clean fuel to remove traces of water and air dry prior to reinstalling.
If the element fails the water test (step 4) or it may be further cleaned by repeating the cleaning stage (step 2) using isopropyl alcohol in place of fuel. After cleaning, the element should be drained and rinsed in clean, dry fuel to remove all traces of isopropyl alcohol if used. Another alternative is to use a spray of hot water (not from a pressure washer). Allow the cartridge to fully dry. After using either procedure, repeat the water test (step 4). If the element does not pass the water test after this operation, it must be replaced.
If there are visible tears, nicks, or cuts, they can be repaired as long as they are not larger than 1/8" in diameter. Use brightly colored fingernail polish or epoxy to repair the area. The nail polish allows repairs to be easily observed in the future. After you have repaired the element, wet the element in fuel and repeat the water test (step 4).Note: The use of detergents (i.e., soap, powder cleanser of any kind), steam, or compressed air during any of the above operations IS NOT RECOMMENDED because they can affect the operation of the separator.Maintenance Record
Replace filters whenever differential pressure (DP) reaches 15 psi. Clean debris from vessels each