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How to Maintain Your Cat® Precleaner
Estimated read time: 3 minutes
Taking proper care of the precleaner on your engine air filter can help it perform optimally for its lifespan. This is why regular maintenance helps reduce machine contamination and keeps your equipment on the jobsite.
Follow these best practices to keep your precleaner in good condition. The process for your machine may vary from what we describe below. Read your Operation and Maintenance Manual (OMM) to see specifics about your equipment. To see the whole process, watch the following video and read the directions in the article below:
Safe maintenance begins by parking your machine on a dry, level surface. You also need to lower implements to the ground, lock out your hydraulics and turn off the engine before you get started.
Need a new precleaner or any parts before you get started? Everything you may need is available at Parts.Cat.com. Type in your equipment’s serial number to filter for custom parts, and then get started on maintenance.
Precleaner Maintenance
Your engine air filter precleaner helps block particles before they reach the filters. Depending on your precleaner style, particles will exit through the side or bottom. A grated screen can help you catch even more particles.
You will need to replace your precleaner at the service intervals listed in your OMM. Beyond these listed intervals, you should replace your precleaner more often if you notice mud buildup.
Daily Precleaner Checks
Looking over your engine air precleaner should be a part of your daily walk-around. Note that the filter compartment should be clean, and the port should be clear so that dirt can be expelled during operation.
Follow these steps to complete regular precleaner maintenance:
When it’s time to service your precleaner or if you notice shortened filter life, remove it from the machine and place it on a work surface.
Next, unlock the cover and set it aside.
Shake the components to clear any blockages. Make sure to shake gently because hitting the precleaner or using hard tools could cause damage.
If there is harder debris on your precleaner, soak it in water and dry it with low-pressure compressed air. Be sure to wear PPE to protect you from any particles caught in the precleaner if you’re using compressed air.
Once the precleaner is clean, make sure the gasket is in good shape. From here, reassemble your precleaner and place it back in the machine.
Do you have any additional questions about maintaining your Cat precleaner? Contact your Cat dealer and be sure to check your Operation and Maintenance Manual for specific instruction and safety procedures.
