Filtered air is essential as dirt can wear out the engine prematurely. The main types of air cleaners are pre-cleaners, dry element air cleaners and oil bath air cleaners.
Pre-cleaners
Check the precleaner bowl every 10 hours. If dirt has built up to the line, remove the bowl and empty it. If the precleaner is clogged, a greater load is placed on the main cleaner.
Dry Type Air Cleaner
Service the dry air cleaner element every 50 hours. If the element is dusty, remove the filter element and tap gently on the heel of your hand to remove the dust. If gentle tapping does not remove the dust, use a compressed air cleaning gun (30 psi; 250 kPa) to clean the element. Blow from inside to outside.
If the element is oily or sooty then blow out the dust with compressed air or flush with clean water. Soak and gently agitate the element in a solution of lukewarm water and commercial filter element cleaner. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow the element to air dry. Never wash a dry element in fuel oil, gasoline, or solvent. Never use compressed air to dry the element.
Oil Bath Air Cleaner
Loosen the oil cup and remove from filter. Check the depth of the sediment deposit in the outer chamber. If the oil has thickened, change the oil. If there is water in the cup, you will probably find that the air intake cap has been removed, allowing rain to enter. Proceed with cleaning the cup and be sure to replace the air intake cap.
If the cup needs cleaning, throw away dirty oil, scrape and then wash inner and outer cups with clean diesel fuel. Check the air intake pipe for dirt accumulation. Refill cup with oil to “oil level” mark. Do not overfill the oil cup and then replace the oil cup and tighten the clamp. Check the air duct between the cleaner and carburetor for holes or loose clamp connections.
At least once a year, completely disassemble and clean the air cleaner system. Swab out the center tube with a cloth soaked with diesel fuel. If the filter element is dirty, wash it in diesel fuel or solvent. Drain all parts and wipe dry. Reassemble the air cleaner.
Turbochargers
Periodically make the following inspections.
Inspect the mounting and connections of the turbo-charger to be certain they are secure and there is no leakage of oil or air.
Check the engine crankcase vent to be sure there is no restriction to air flow.
Operate the engine at approximate rated output and listen for unusual turbocharger noise.
Check the turbocharger for unusual vibration while the engine is operating at rated output.
Check the engine under load conditions. Excessive exhaust smoke indicates an incorrect fuel-air mixture. This could be due to engine overload or turbocharger malfunction.
