385B Excavator Engine Air Filter Primary Element - Clean/Replace Caterpillar


Engine Air Filter Primary Element - Clean/Replace
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385B Excavator [SEBU7440]
AIR INLET AND EXHAUST SYSTEM
AIR CLEANER GP
385B Excavator Engine Air Filter Primary Element - Clean/Replace
1.1. Cleaning Primary Air Filter Elements
2.2. Pressurized Air
3.2. Vacuum Cleaning
4.1. Inspecting the Primary Air Filter Elements
5.2. Storing Primary Air Filter Elements

  1. Open the access door on the right side of the machine.


    Illustration 1g00561354

  2. Squeeze the outlet tube slightly in order to purge the dirt.


    Illustration 2g00561344

  3. Loosen the two cover clamps and remove the air cleaner cover.


    Illustration 3g00101415

  4. Remove the primary filter element from the air cleaner housing.

  5. Clean the air cleaner cover and the inside of the air cleaner housing.

  6. Inspect the O-ring seal on the air cleaner cover. Replace the O-ring seal if the O-ring seal is worn or damaged.


    NOTICE

    Do not clean the filter elements by bumping or tapping them. Do not use filter elements with damaged pleats, gaskets or seals. Engine damage can result.

    Make sure the cleaned filter elements are completely dry before installing into the filter housing. Water remaining in the elements can cause false indications of contamination in Scheduled Oil Sampling test results.


  7. Inspect the primary filter. If the primary filter element is not damaged, you can clean the primary element.

    Refer to "Cleaning Primary Air Filter Elements".



    Illustration 4g00102884

  8. Direct air along the pleats inside the primary filter element and outside the primary filter element.

  9. Inspect the primary filter element after cleaning. Do not use a primary filter element with damaged pleats, damaged gaskets or damaged seals.

  10. Encase the clean primary filter element and store the clean primary filter element in a clean, dry place.

  11. Install the clean primary filter.

  12. Install the air cleaner cover and tighten the cover clamps securely.

  13. Change the filter if any of the following conditions occurs:

    • The display shows that the air filter is still "plugged".

    • Exhaust smoke is still black after the installation of a primary filter.

    Note: The primary filter can be cleaned up to six times. Replace the primary filter if the primary filter has been used for one year.

Cleaning Primary Air Filter Elements


NOTICE

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 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.


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

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

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 207 kPa (30 psi).



Illustration 5g00281692

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

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



Illustration 6g00281693

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.



Illustration 7g00281694

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.

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