This servicing information is provided as a best practices guide. It is not intended to replace or supersede the service instructions supplied by your engine or vehicle manufacturer.
- Remove the filter
Unfasten or unlatch the service cover. Because the filter fits tightly over the outlet tube to create the critical seal, there will be some initial resistance, similar to breaking the seal on a jar. Gently move the end of the filter back and forth to break the seal then rotate while pulling straight out. Avoid knocking the filter against the housing.
If your air cleaner has a safety filter, replace it every third primary filter change. Remove the safety filter as you would the primary filter. Make sure you cover the air cleaner outlet tube to avoid any unfiltered contaminant dropping into the engine.
- Clean both surfaces of the outlet tube and check the Vacuator™ Valve
Use a clean cloth to wipe the filter sealing surface and the inside of the outlet tube. Contaminant on the sealing surface could hinder an effective seal and cause leakage. Make sure that all contaminant is removed before the new filter is inserted. Dirt accidently transferred to the inside of the outlet tube will reach the engine and cause wear. Engine manufacturers say that it takes only a few grams of dirt to “dust” an engine! Be careful not to damage the sealing area on the tube.
If your air cleaner is equipped with a Vacuator Valve:
Visually check and physically squeeze to make sure the valve is flexible and not inverted, damaged or plugged.
- Inspect the old filter for leak clues
Visually inspect the old filter for any signs of leaks. A streak of dust on the clean side of the filter is a telltale sign. Remove any cause of leaks before installing new filter.
- Inspect the new filter for damage
Inspect the new filter carefully, paying attention to the inside of the open end, which is the sealing area. NEVER install a damaged filter. A new Donaldson RadialSeal filter may have a dry lubricant on the seal to aid installation.
- Insert the new RadialSeal filter properly
If you’re servicing the safety filter, this should be seated into position before installing the primary filter.
Insert the new filter carefully. Seat the filter by hand, making certain it is completely into the air cleaner housing before securing the cover in place.
The critical sealing area will stretch slightly, adjust itself and distribute the sealing pressure evenly. To complete a tight seal, apply pressure by hand at the outer rim of the filter, not the flexible center. Avoid pushing on the center of the urethane end cap. No cover pressure is required to hold the seal. NEVER use the service cover to push the filter into place! Using the cover to push the filter in could cause damage to the housing, cover fasteners and will void the warranty.
If the service cover hits the filter before it is fully in place, remove the cover and push the filter (by hand) further into the air cleaner and try again. The cover should go on with no extra force.
Once the filter is in place, secure the service cover.
Never use the service cover to push the filter into place! Using the cover to push the filter in could cause damage to the housing, cover fasteners and will void the warranty.
- Check connectors for tight fit
Make sure that all mounting bands, clamps, bolts, and connections in the entire air cleaner system are tight. Check for holes in piping and repair if needed. Any leaks in your intake piping will send dust directly to the engine!