POWER TRAIN MLC165-1 SERVICE/MAINTENANCE MANUAL
7-6
Published 05-26-17, Control # 238-02
AIR CLEANER
See Figure 7-5, page 7-7
The air filters (10 and 11) require periodic maintenance.
• Clogged air cleaner filters will prevent adequate air flow
to the engine, causing poor starting and increased
exhaust emissions.
• An improperly installed or damaged air cleaner can
allow dirty air to be drawn directly into the engine.
Either condition can cause engine damage.
Inspection
To maintain engine protection and filter service life, inspect
the filters at the specified intervals:
Daily
Check the service indicator (3) with the engine running. The
indicator gives a visual indication when it is time to replace
the filters.
A yellow flag in the indicator window extends as the filters
become plugged. Replace filters when yellow indicator
reaches the red zone at the end of the indicator.
The yellow flag remains locked in place after the engine is
stopped. The indicator reset button on the top of the indicator
can be pressed at any time. When the engine is running, the
indicator will return to the proper reading.
Monthly
• Inspect the steel tubes (5 and 8) and the rubber
reducers (7 and 9) between the air cleaner and the
engine for cracks or other damage which might allow
unfiltered air to enter the engine. Replace the worn or
damaged parts.
• Check the housing (2) for dents or other damage that
may allow unfiltered air to enter the engine. Replace the
housing if damaged.
• Check for loose clamps (6). Tighten the loose parts.
• Inspect the inlet cap (1) for obstructions. Clean as
required.
Changing the Filters
The air cleaner has two primary filters (10) and one
secondary filter (11).
1. Remove the service cover (4) carefully.
2. Remove the primary filters gently in order to reduce the
amount of dust dislodged. There will be some initial
resistance, similar to breaking the seal on a jar. Using
the tabs on the filters, move the end of filter back and
forth to break seal.
Avoid dislodging dust from the filters.
NOTE The secondary filter should be replaced every third
time the primary filters are replaced. Inspect the
secondary filter and replace as necessary.
3. Remove the secondary filter by pulling on the plastic ring
tabs.
4. Clean the sealing surfaces in the housing.
Use a clean cloth to wipe clean the sealing surfaces and
inside of the housing. Dust on the sealing surfaces could
render seal ineffective and cause leakage. Ensure all
contamination is removed before new filters are
installed.
5. Clean the inside of the outlet tube.
Carefully wipe the inside of the outlet tube with a clean
cloth. Dirt accidentally transferred to the inside of the
outlet tube will reach the engine and cause wear. It takes
only a few grams of dirt to destroy an engine). Be careful
not to damage the sealing area of the tube.
6. Visually inspect old filters for leaks. A streak of dust on
the clean side of a filter is a telltale sign. Remove any
cause of leaks before installing a new filter.
7. Inspect the new filters, especially the sealing area.
Never install damaged filters.
8. Install a new secondary filter (11) (if required) carefully
and gently push it into the back of the housing. Apply
pressure to all four corners and tabs to make sure the
filter is completely secure in the housing.
9. Repeat this step for the primary filters (10).
CAUTION
Avoid Engine Damage
• Stop engine before servicing the air cleaner.
Otherwise, unfiltered air will be drawn directly into the
engine. Never operate the engine without an air
cleaner.
• Before servicing, clean the fittings, mounting
hardware, and the area around the component(s) to
be removed.
• Replace the secondary filter as quickly as possible to
avoid engine ingestion of contaminants.
• Do not attempt to clean and reuse the old filters.
Discard old filters and install new filters. Cleaning
filter elements by impact or compressed air voids the
warranty and can degrade or damage the filter media,
leading to engine damage.