TM 5-3810-300-24&P-3
3.1 AIR CLEANER
periodic servicing. If the cleaners are not properly
maintained, the oil sump will become filled with
sludge and the screens or elements will not remove
dust properly. This would result in dust and dirty oil
entering the engine and also increase the restriction
to air flow through the cleaner.
Should dust in the air supply enter the engine, it
would be carried directly into the cylinders and, due
to its abrasive properties, cause premature wear of
moving parts, which would materially shorten engine
life. Should the air flow through the cleaner be
restricted, it would eventually be impossible for the
engine to burn all of the fuel injected into its
cylinders and carbon formation would progress at a
greatly increased rate.
The efficiency of the air cleaner may be offset by
leaks in the duct work, loose hose connections, or
damaged gaskets which permit dust-laden air to
completely by-pass the cleaner and enter the engine
directly.
The following maintenance procedure will assure
efficient air cleaner operation:
Fig. 2 - Oil Bath Air Cleaner and Silencer Assembly -
Heavy Duty
1. Keep the air cleaner tight on the air intake to
some of the oil will overflow the edge of the cup carrying
engine.
the dirt with it. The dirt will be deposited in the outer area
surrounding the cup. Oil will then flow back into the cup
2. Keep the air cleaner properly assembled so the
through a small hole located in the side of the cup.
joints are strictly oil and air tight.
Above the separator screen, the cleaner is filled with a
wire screen element which will remove any oil which
3. In case of damage to the air cleaner, intake or
passes through the separator screen. This oil will also
connections, repair it at once.
drain to the center and back into the pan. The clean air
then leaves the cleaner through a tube at the side and
4. In dusty areas, inspect the air cleaner frequently
enters the blower through the air inlet housing.
for dirt deposits in the oil bath or thickened oil.
Air Cleaner Mounting
Air cleaner mountings vary in accordance with the air
cleaner installation and the engine units on which they
are employed. The light duty air cleaners are mounted
on the air inlet housing. Heavy duty air cleaners are
remotely mounted from the air inlet housing and are
connected to it by air tight ducts.
Air Cleaner Maintenance
Although air cleaners are highly efficient, this efficiency
Fig. 3 - Air Flow Through Heavy Duty Oil Bath Air
depends upon the proper maintenance and
Cleaner
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