Diesel Pusher Air Filter change

[lj2654]

I was wondering how to really know when to change an air filter on a CAT engine.

I have the vacuum gauge that is supposed to give you the info but how reliable are they?

The filter for my engine is a large canister that has to be changed out but its more awkward to do than hard.

I can remove the lower hose and visibly see it but that doesn't tell me anything!

[Two_Jayhawks]

wolfe10 wrote:
Be aware that the air filter minder registers TOTAL RESTRICTION IN THE AIR SYSTEM.



Also, totally agree, that if the filter is removed, it is ALWAYS thrown away, never cleaned. Way too easy to break a pleat and cause a dusted engine (read that $10-20k).

Hi Brett
I have a F550 service body that had engine failure (6.4L). Dealer sharpened a pencil to re engine @ $19,100. We did it internally but long block was still about $12K. I'm guessing any motorhome needing an engine might be $30,000 and up & I can't imagine that being a DIY job.

[wolfe10]

Be aware that the air filter minder registers TOTAL RESTRICTION IN THE AIR SYSTEM.

So, yes, it monitors the filter, but any other restriction also raises the restriction. A common example is that chassis makers ship the bare chassis with a long, flexible hose which the coach maker attaches to the side of the coach. I have seen a number of these where cutting out 4' of that flex hose helps with restriction but removing the large loop the air must travel through.

When you do install a new filter, the first time you stop after a couple of wide open throttle at high RPM (any gear-- does not need to be fast road speed), record the air filter minder reading. This is your baseline. If high, look at what (other than the filter) may be causing it.

I totally agree, that if you don't drive many miles, or in very dusty conditions and every three year change gives you trouble-free operation.

Also, totally agree, that if the filter is removed, it is ALWAYS thrown away, never cleaned. Way too easy to break a pleat and cause a dusted engine (read that $10-20k).

[larry_cad]

Bruce Brown wrote:

larry cad wrote:
Several years ago, I realized my vacuum gage would show a clogged filter right after I would change the filter and put on a new one. I replaced the gage and got the same result. A couple of years ago I changed the filter and modified the intake to accept the next larger one. Gage hasn't acted up since. I suspect the factory specified the wrong one. BTW, I get slightly better fuel mileage since. Not much, but enough to make me happy I made the change.

We did the same thing. A smart guy we camped with suggested it, he was right. :B

🙂

[Bigdog]

After having an air filter collapse because it got wet on the freeway,poor placement of the air intake on my Tradewinds 7390, and had pieces of filter possibly get into the engine,I change it every 12-18 months, no matter what.
I can tell you from recent experience what a rebuilt Cat 3126B will cost you when it gets a dusted cylinder form several causes and one was the air filter.

[NCC-1701]

Like others, I trust the gauge, but go three years max even if the gauge still shows it's good.

[Bruce_Brown]

larry cad wrote:
Several years ago, I realized my vacuum gage would show a clogged filter right after I would change the filter and put on a new one. I replaced the gage and got the same result. A couple of years ago I changed the filter and modified the intake to accept the next larger one. Gage hasn't acted up since. I suspect the factory specified the wrong one. BTW, I get slightly better fuel mileage since. Not much, but enough to make me happy I made the change.

We did the same thing. A smart guy we camped with suggested it, he was right. :B

[tropical36]

DSDP Don wrote:
The absolute WORSE thing you can do to a diesel pusher air cleaner is to vacuum or blow it out with compressed air. You're taking a HUGE chance of moving the dust the filter captured to a place where it will be ingested and destroy your engine.

I give little or no value to the Air Minders. To me, they're totally useless. For the average guy doing 7500 miles a year, three years is a good change interval. We run between 10K - 15K a year and I change my filter every two years. My coach always performs well and I like keeping it that way. On one occasion, I bought two air cleaners because I got a good deal. This not a good idea, if you leave one setting for two years. Buy a fresh one when you're ready to change it out.

If yo own an expensive diesel pusher, don't cheapen out on maintenance.

I thought it obvious to first remove it before cleaning and not when it's really dirty and clogged and past due for replacement.
Can't say about the air minders and just thought they were a functional part of maintenance. Have one on the hydraulic fluid filter, as well and it hasn't moved off the green.

[larry_cad]

Several years ago, I realized my vacuum gage would show a clogged filter right after I would change the filter and put on a new one. I replaced the gage and got the same result. A couple of years ago I changed the filter and modified the intake to accept the next larger one. Gage hasn't acted up since. I suspect the factory specified the wrong one. BTW, I get slightly better fuel mileage since. Not much, but enough to make me happy I made the change.

[DSDP_Don]

The absolute WORSE thing you can do to a diesel pusher air cleaner is to vacuum or blow it out with compressed air. You're taking a HUGE chance of moving the dust the filter captured to a place where it will be ingested and destroy your engine.

I give little or no value to the Air Minders. To me, they're totally useless. For the average guy doing 7500 miles a year, three years is a good change interval. We run between 10K - 15K a year and I change my filter every two years. My coach always performs well and I like keeping it that way. On one occasion, I bought two air cleaners because I got a good deal. This not a good idea, if you leave one setting for two years. Buy a fresh one when you're ready to change it out.

If yo own an expensive diesel pusher, don't cheapen out on maintenance.

[tropical36]

lj2654 wrote:
I was wondering how to really know when to change an air filter on a CAT engine.

I have the vacuum gauge that is supposed to give you the info but how reliable are they?

The filter for my engine is a large canister that has to be changed out but its more awkward to do than hard.

I can remove the lower hose and visibly see it but that doesn't tell me anything!

Last time I saw mine, it looked like new, but have been on a very dusty road since then for quite a few miles. My plan is to just use a shop vac on it and maybe blow some air through it, as well.
Gauge still says it's good to go, so.....

[wolfe10]

Air filters are replaced for TWO reasons:

1. Restriction, as indicated by air filter minder reading.

2. Age. Made of paper and resin, they deteriorate. Three years is a reasonable "safe life".

And, the air filter minder needs to be tested annually. Pull off the rubber hose that goes from intake to filter minder and suck on it. The filter minder should peg at max restriction and hold that reading until you push the release button. Truly a 1 minute operation.

[rascalflat]

See Replacing The Air Cleaner in our Diesel Pusher RV

[dalenoel]

I rely on the vacuum gauge.