Dirty is a good thing

Ever dust an engine? Can you over change the element? When is the proper time to replace?

Many maintenance facilities change air cleaner elements when other maintenance is performed, example oil changes, or intervals based on miles/time. Not air restriction. Truck engines come with an engine mounted indicator or dash gauge which displays vacuum level, as such reflecting when the element requires replacement. You’ll see either the pop gauge, or an optional Filter Minder® mounted to the air cleaner/s, or an OE dash gauge that indicate these levels.

Changing the element before the proper vacuum is reached does not take advantage of the element life and can damage the engine and or waste money. A dirty element is more efficient than new. Just because the element looks dirty, does not mean it’s time to replace. Never let appearance dictate when to change the element.

There is an optional safety element available. This internal filter provides a backup in case there is a failure of the main element. Maintenance recommends changing this element every third time the main element is changed.

Pre-cleaner/s are sometimes built into the hood. These are designed to remove the larger contamination, prior to reaching the main element, which allows the element/s to last longer. Certainly, two air cleaners last longer than one. Larger sizes, such as 15” duals last longer than dual 13”, etc.

Prior filter designs were made of paper/cellulose media, the newer have nanofiber. Never clean an element. This process will reduce the dirt holding capacity by 20-40%, which introduces more dirt into the engine.

If you’d like to know more, look at the documents from Donaldson®, Filter Manufacturers Council and Filter Minder®. They do a great job of explaining this topic. As noted on the chart, not all air cleaners are created equal.

http://www.donaldsonoemfiltration.com/library/files/documents/pdfs/073667.pdf http://filterminder.com/resources/learn-more/40-resources/frequently-asked-questions.html