ENGINE AIR What you need to know about cleaning air filters
Cleaning and reusing engine air filters is a risky practice that can
FILTRATION
dramatically increase your owning and operating costs. Data shows the
process of cleaning your air filter causes damage. Although the damage is
not visible to the bare eye, it significantly reduces how effective the filter
is at capturing harmful contaminates.
Damage Caused by Cleaning
New Filter Used Filter, Not Cleaned Used Filter, Cleaned
Microscope images
of filter media show
cleaned filter has
46%
Less Fine
Fiber Media Filter media ready Filter media Much of the filter media has been damaged
to do the job working properly leaving gaps for debris to enter
Effect of Cleaning on Piston Ring Life The Outcome of Cleaning
Cleaning your air filter damages your air filter:
Piston 69 % Using a filter that has been cleaned
every other change interval
§§ More abrasive particles enter your engine
Ring
§§ Wear to internal engine components is accelerated
Life 100% Using a new filter every change interval
§§ Rebuild cycles are shortened
§§ Cleaned filters were blown out using 30 psi of compressed air §§ Downtime increases
(considered to be less severe than many alternative processes §§ Productivity decreases
used to clean filters).
§§ Maintenance & overall
§§ Utilizing a filter that has been cleaned every other change costs increase
interval results in 31% More Wear to Piston Rings
Want More Information Cost to Clean
Annualized Cost Example* (USD)
on Air Filter Cleaning? $
197
$
395
$
7,905
$
5,455
New New New New New Cleaned New Cleaned
50% 45% 39%
COST DECREASE
IN FILTERS
COST INCREASE
IN REBUILDS
= TOTAL COST
INCREASE
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PRODUCT SUPPORT.
We offer you the right parts and service
solutions, when and where you need them.
The Cat dealer network of highly trained
experts keeps your entire fleet up and
running to maximize your equipment investment.
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PEDJ0400-01
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