Journey/Meridian air filter installation

[wagonmaster2]

SteveG - I've been saving the pictures from your August 31, 2007 air cleaner installation posting until I need it, which will be this week. One question though, in photo 5 where the engine end piping is removed from the filter does the piping need to be completely removed from the engine like the air intake piping assembly is completely removed out on the ground or does the engine end stay attached to the engine? If it stays attached to the engine, does it give way enough to pull it off the front end of the filter?
Your last statement about having to struggle to get the engine end coupling piping inserted into the filter had me a little concerned since I know my arms aren't that strong, so I'm getting the shop that does my auto brake, front end work, and brakes to help me with this. Its out of his line of work but he's good on everything else so he should be able to handle this, especially with your excellent pictures and descriptions. Thanks for the great info.
Wagonmaster2
2004 Meridian 36G

[wagonmaster2]

SteveG - I've been saving the pictures from your August 31, 2007 air cleaner installation posting until I need it, which will be this week. One question though, in photo 5 where the engine end piping is removed from the filter does the piping need to be completely removed from the engine like the air intake piping assembly is completely removed out on the ground or does the engine end stay attached to the engine? If it stays attached to the engine, does it give way enough to pull it off the front end of the filter?
Your last statement about having to struggle to get the engine end coupling piping inserted into the filter had me a little concerned since I know my arms aren't that strong, so I'm getting the shop that does my auto brake, front end work, and brakes to help me with this. Its out of his line of work but he's good on everything else so he should be able to handle this, especially with your excellent pictures and descriptions. Thanks for the great info.
Wagonmaster2
2004 Meridian 36G

[SteveG]

Allen, with respect to photo 05 below: then look next at photo 8.

I am pretty sure I got the engine side coupling loose first as shown in photo 5; it pulls out of the filter.

There are two clamps on the engine end of the filter. I loosened the one closest to the filter which holds the filter end of the coupling in place.

I suggest that the piping clamp be left in place as that end of the coupling does not have to be removed.

Once the large piping elbow is removed it opens up the large space shown in photo 8.

In photo 8 you can still see the filter sitting in its position.

With the engine side coupling loose as shown in photo 5 then there is now sufficient room to slip the engine filter back and down through the space previously occupied by the large piping elbow.

It is not particularly heavy (weight is the same as the new filter) and I can not remember it being difficult to slide through the space. Be sure to protect your eyes from falling grit and grim.

I think it will be obvious once you get started.


I initially took the photos so I would remember how the original looked and so I would get it back correctly. So just be sure that if there are any variations between our filter setups you make some written notes or photos (aren't digital cameras the best!). But in the end it went easier then I thought and I will do it again when it's time. Best of luck and as I always remind my self, work safe. Steve


Photo 05 shows the engine end pipe coupling almost completely removed. Note the seal bead. This seal bead must seat into a groove located inside the filter end when reinstalled. I could feel it seat when I pushed it in.

If this bead is not set into the filter's internal groove then per the instructions that came with this Racor filter "a positive seal may not be obtained. In this case catastrophic damage may be caused to the engine."� This was a pretty strong warning so I made sure the coupling was seated into the groove.

Also, I found that leaving the piping side clamp (indicated in the photo) tight provided better removal and installation.




Photo 08 shows the space available once the air intake piping assembly is removed. I just loosened the clamps found at each end of the hose.