TUBE AS 4588007 - Caterpillar

Cleaning the Primary Air Cleaner Elements
The primary air cleaner element can be used up to six times if the element has been 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.Use clean primary air cleaner elements while dirty elements are being cleaned.
Do not clean the air cleaner 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 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 four common methods that are used to clean primary air cleaner elements:
Pressurized water
Pressurized air
Vacuum cleaning
Washing with nonsudsing detergentPressurized Water
Pressurized water will clean the primary air cleaner element unless carbon and oil have accumulated on the surface of the primary air cleaner element. The maximum water pressure for cleaning purposes must be below 275 kPa (40 psi). Do not use a spray nozzle.Note: When the primary air cleaner element is 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 water flows inside the element along the length of the filter. The method will help prevent damage to the paper pleats. Do not aim the stream of water directly at the primary air cleaner element. Dirt could be forced further into the pleats.Note: Refer to "Drying the Primary Air Cleaner Elements". Refer to "Inspecting the Primary Air Cleaner Elements".Pressurized Air
Pressurized air can be used to clean primary air cleaner 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 207 kPa (30 psi).
Illustration 2 g00281692
Note: When the primary air cleaner 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. This method will help prevent damage to the paper pleats. Do not aim the stream of air directly at the primary air cleaner element. Dirt could be forced further into the pleats.Note: Refer to "Inspecting the Primary Air Cleaner Elements".Vacuum Cleaning
Vacuum cleaning is a good method for cleaning primary air cleaner 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.Note: Refer to "Inspecting the Primary Air Cleaner Elements".Washing the Primary Air Cleaner Elements with Nonsudsing Detergent
Do not wash air cleaner elements in any flammable solution such as diesel fuel or gasoline.