C-7 350 HP Best Replacement Air Filter

[wagonmaster2]

I had a Cat dealer tell me I should change my air filter on my C-7 every 3 years since the paper filter can deterioate and get pulled into the engine. (may this is all just a sales gimmick). I changed my last one at 4 years, the gauge was reading at 15 (which was where it read after the new one was installed) and the old one looked just about the same on the inside as the new one.

Does everyone go by time to decide when to change their air filter?

Wagonmaster2
2004 Meridian 36G

[SVTotem]

Mike Cody at Camp Freightliner recommends the timed change of the air filter due the cellulose potentially starting to breakdown. Since mine was over five years old I had mine changed and will stick with the timed change out, or earlier, if the gauge demands it. I am very conservative regarding maintenance. Probably comes from 32 years flying helicopters.

[spike45]

Originally Posted by EL_Carlson

I have a Winnebago 2005 Journey36G with 8,500 miles that I am doing a major service do age not miles, want to replace the air filter. Is there an upgrade high flow replacement air filter? The Filters I have looked at are:
Racor P?N 114880-003
Farr AH 1197
Donaldson P537454
Parker 114880003
Wix 46748
I presently get about 7.7 miles / Gal would like to improve if possible, any suggestions would be help full.

Thank you for any help.

The original equipment manufacturer on these is the Farr product. Racor owns Farr. The other parts you list are Farr private brands. While not on your list, Fleetguard has a Farr-made replacement. The biggest issue with most MHs that use this air cleaner is that it is too small for the air flow ability of the Cat and Cummins engines. This means the filter life is shorter and generally has higher initial restriction plus dust bypass occurs because of the high air flow. Change the filter based on restriction gauge reading. Better restriction gauges like the Filter Minder by Engineered Products of Waterloo, IA will show the steady increase in restriction thus helping you to determine when to change the filter. CAT and other engine companies are on the page that 25" is the target for change out but changing at 20 - 22" is very acceptable.

[MaverickBBD]

As previously mentioned the cellulose and the glue on paper filters can be an issue with age. I went with an aFe (advanced filter engineering) and got a cotton fiber, cleanable filter. They say change every 10k. I usually change mine once a year. I have heard that changing too often can be an issue also. The issue of 'dusting' a new filter is a subject of debate. As mine are washed (rinsed really) and oiled and let dry, the 'dusting' is not an issue.