Engine Air Filter

[Joel Ashley]

David, could that be the filter Keith asked about in the original post here, but until now hasn't been directly answered?

[Keith Moffett]

For those of with the AFE (Advanced Flow Engineering) filter,
www.aFepower.com
There is an instruction sheet for cleaning and oiling.  Of note it specifies no heat for drying and no air pressure to blow out the dirt.

[David T. Richelderfer]

I think this is the filter in my coach.  $313.95

aFe POWER 70-50004 ProHDuty Pro 5R Air Filter for 70-50104

http://afepower.com/afe-power-70-50004-prohduty-pro-5r-air-filter-for-70-50104#overview

[Edward Buker]

Jeff and All,

The filter minder measures vacuum in the intake system. It records the peak vacuum which as a filter capacity is used up (surface area is plugging more) the vacuum will rise. The vacuum is also a function of the initial restriction of the intake system design. In my 2002 Marquis the vacuum was in the mid yellow section of the filter minder, that was the starting point of a clean filter because of the intake system design.

The way to handle this is to just run by the vacuum gauge minder and know that we will not get as much filter usage life because of the marginal intake design. That is less restriction can be allotted to the filter plugging and stay within the air restriction range of the indicator before it goes to red. So your filters could look pretty clean while they still would need changing due to some added restriction.

Later Ed

[Jeff Watt]

Thanks Ed,

I appreciate the clarification of this issue.

Jeff

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

The CAT document "Caterpillar Filters Recommendations" has been posted to ASK DAVE on BAC Website. It covers CAT's recommendations for usage and care of both air and fluid filters. Based on the discussion on this thread, you may find the information on pages 23-25 of particular interest.
Steve

[Gerald Farris]

There seems to be something getting lost here in discussing Caterpillar air cleaners, and that is that none of our coaches use a Caterpillar air filter. The article that Steve posted is relating to Caterpillar air filters that are used in Caterpillar equipment and not over the road engines. Our coaches, just like most HD trucks came with the intake system (including air filter) that was designed by the chassis builder. Most Beaver coaches use either Donaldson or Baldwin air filters, so for air filter related information, you should check their websites.

Gerald

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

Gerald,
Thanks for the clarification.
Steve

[Dick Simonis]

Speaking of air filters....does anyone have the Donaldson P/N for the C-12???  This thread reminded me I want to change mine.

[Edward Buker]

Dick,

This was right for my 2002 Marquis with a C12, think it will fit yours but Keith pointed out he thinks there were two versions used in 02. These fit in a black vertical plastic round housing from below with a cover on the bottom that used plastic thumb screws to hold the cover on. Not sure if later years used the same housing, I am not sure. Prices are as of when I wrote an earlier post.

Donaldson Endurance filter, EAF5069 was the number for my Marquis. Ryder Fleet prices this filter at $53.30. The standard filter version is P527682 at $37.62, about $15 more. Given the extended life of the Endurance it is actually cheaper per mile to own.

Later Ed

[Keith Moffett]

Dick
Aparently there were two versions used on the 02 with C-12.  When first we got ours they gave us a new filter to install that was a canister.  If I recall correctly it was the later version.  Ours was the cartridge version. The housing looked like a rubbermaid trash can with lid turned upside down.

Just a heads up.

[Keith Moffett]

For those of us with the AFE cleanable filter on the 07Thunder, a return to the canister paper filter OEM.
The Donnaldson PN is P 537448
It is available on the BAC Amazon link for about $155.
The Fleetguard PN AH8503 (confirm this one) is available from BCS for about $175.
NAPA Gold price was $255.

Given the info from Dave and Gerald I will be using the OEM until evidence shows otherwise.  Joel may be right about a newer version but until then it isnt worth the risk.

[Lee Welbanks]

I think maybe Cat knows a little bit about filters and filter systems and they say no way with any cleanable filter. Or you can buy a rebuilt motor or in frame yours for 10 to 15K.
All for a couple hundred bucks!

[Dave Atherton]

Lee you are in place to say,  Yes Caterpillar makes Air Filters for your Caterpillar engine in
your motorhome. The information that Steve posted pertains to on road and off road engines.
The miss information comes from the off road engine is the same engine in your motorhome.
Truck engines have regen same as motorhomes. Good view pointed out Lee. Take a reviewed of
how builder has gone to the edge of the box with install of intake air piping. Than putting a air filter
housing to fit space in motorhome that allowing enough air entry into engine has been questioned
by several. The big question as many interest review this subject, your engine is a Caterpillar
built and tested with Caterpillar parts. Different ideas and change has been made with install
of systems with builder that again is on the edge of the box with the Caterpillar engine spec.
Dave Atherton Retired Cat Mechanic.

[Keith Moffett]

Just a bit of perspective in agreeing with Dave and Gerald
I was reading the Onan manual and it specifies using Onan air filters as the seal is different than after market.  The point is they say even a thimble full of dust can kill the generator. 

I suspect it would be much the same for the CAT.