Caterpillar 3126B / 3126B Industrial Engine — Cleaning the Primary Air Cleaner Elements
Maintenance
For the Caterpillar 3126B / 3126B Industrial Engine, from the Caterpillar owner's manual.
Applies to: Caterpillar 3126B, Caterpillar 3126B Industrial Engine engine
Before you start
- Do not tap or strike the filter element.
- Do not wash the filter element.
Parts for this job
- 2453818 Air filter — Caterpillar 3126B Industrial Engine engine FridayParts $230.99
Part numbers from the service-parts lists for Caterpillar 3126B, Caterpillar 3126B Industrial Engine engine. Verify against your serial number before ordering; some links are affiliate links.
Procedure
- Visually inspect the primary element before cleaning; discard damaged elements.
- Pressurized air: use filtered, dry air with a maximum pressure of 207 kPa (30 psi); begin with the clean side (inside).
- Aim the hose so air flows inside the element along the length of the filter.
- Vacuum cleaning: recommended prior to vacuum cleaning; will not remove carbon and oil deposits.
- Inspect the clean, dry element with a 60 watt blue light in a dark room for tears or holes.
- Discard any element that has tears, holes, or damaged pleats, gaskets or seals.
- Store unused elements wrapped in Volatile Corrosion Inhibited (VCI) paper in a dry location.
Tools required
- 60 watt blue light Amazon
Tool links are Amazon searches (affiliate links); manufacturer special tools may only be available from a dealer.
Specs & values
- Air pressure must not exceed 207 kPa (30 psi)
Full service-parts list: Caterpillar 3126B →, Caterpillar 3126B Industrial Engine engine →
Source: Caterpillar owner's manual. Steps and values are as documented; always cross-check against the official manual and any later revisions for your exact serial number before servicing.