249
Chapter 13 Preventive Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Never use compressed air to clean the paper fi lter
because the air can damage the fi lter element. The
damaged fi lter may not prevent fi ne dirt from entering
the
When installing a pleated paper-type air fi l-
ter element, the pleated paper should face the
external side of the air cleaner receptacle. See
Figure 13-15.
Engines designed to be used in dusty conditions
may have dual-element air cleaners. Dual-element
air cleaners use a plastic foam fi lter pre-cleaner
that is mounted over a pleated paper fi lter element.
See Figure 13-16. When servicing this type of fi l-
ter, the pre-cleaner can be washed in detergent and
water and squeezed dry, Figure 13-17. Some pre-
cleaners must be oiled after they are cleaned. The
paper fi lter element should be cleaned by shaking
or replaced.
Every engine to be serviced or repaired should
have its air cleaner examined. If the air cleaner ele-
ment or cartridge is damaged or shows signs of
restriction, replace it. Worn or damaged mounting
gaskets and air cleaner gaskets should be replaced
to prevent dirt and dust from entering the engine
through an improper seal around the fi lter.
Caution
Never N Ne e ve e use us e compressed c mp p s a ir t o cl ean th e paper filt er
because be e e ca t h e e a a ir can c n damage m the fi lter element. The
damaged da a a m ma ge d fi lt e r may m m y n ot prevent p fi ne di rt from enterin g
t h h e e e e eengine..engn e n gi ne
N N N d i t l th filt
Figure13-14.
The sequence for servicing a foam-type fi lter element is
shown. A—Wash the foam element thoroughly in liquid
detergent and water. B—Wrap the foam in cloth and
squeeze it dry. C—Saturate the foam with clean oil.
D—Squeeze out the excess oil.
Cloth
A B
C D
Figure 13-15.
The pleated paper should face the outside of the air
cleaner receptacle (away from the engine).
Air cleaner receptacle
Filter element Cover
Figure 13-16.
In a dual-element air cleaner, the pre-cleaner must be
removed before the pleated paper fi lter can be serviced.
Pleated paper
filter
Pre-cleaner
Crankcase Breather Service
If the small gasoline engine has a crankcase
breather, the breather assembly should be removed
and cleaned periodically. The breather is located
over the valve stem chamber. It is held in place
with two or more screws.
To inspect the breather, remove the screws and
the breather assembly. The breather contains a reed