General Aviation

AIRCRAFT AIR FILTERS

Cleaning Instructions for FAA-PMA Dry-Type Filters

& Replacement Filter Application Information

Document Number P469075* Rev 8

General Service GuidelineS

Storage

When storing new and cleaned air ﬁlters, be sure they are

protected from dust and potential damage.

Recommended Service Schedule

Replace your air ﬁlter after three years, ﬁve cleanings or 500

ﬂight hours; whichever occurs ﬁrst.

DO NOT over-service the ﬁlter. Over-servicing increases the

risk of damage to the air ﬁlter from excessive handling and

unnecessarily exposes the engine to dirty air.

Service Guidelines

Maintain the ﬁlter housing and air transfer duct so there are no

dust leaks to the engine.

• DO NOT install a wet air ﬁlter on the engine; i.e., after

cleaning.

• DO NOT clean or reuse damaged ﬁlters.

• DO NOT use solvents or gasoline to clean ﬁlters. Put a

mark on the ﬁlter each time it is cleaned to keep track

of the number of cleanings.

• DO NOT apply oil to the ﬁlter before or after servicing.

Pre-FliGht inSPection

Visually inspect the air ﬁlter without removing it from the

housing during each pre-ﬂight inspection. Remove and clean

the ﬁlter only if excessive dust or other contaminants are

visible.

Thank you for choosing Donaldson replacement air ﬁlters. Donaldson air ﬁlters are specially

designed for your aircraft engine. To properly maintain your air intake system, please follow the

recommended service guidelines and cleaning instructions detailed in this document.

cleaninG inStructionS

The air ﬁlter can be cleaned either by compressed air or washing in a

solution of water and detergent (any general purpose detergent may

be used). The compressed air cleaning method is recommended when

the air ﬁlter has only dust on it. Washing is recommended when the air

ﬁlter contains a combination of dust and oil or carbon. The instrument air

ﬁlters (noted on back page) are NOT cleanable.

comPreSSed air cleaninG

1. To prevent damage to the air ﬁlter, use compressed air less than 10

psi, and keep the nozzle at least one inch away from the ﬁlter.

2. Blow the compressed air through the ﬁlter in the direction opposite

the normal airﬂow (opposite the airﬂow arrow).

3. Blow air through the ﬁlter until no more dust is being removed. The

ﬁlter is ready for inspection.

Detergent & Water Cleaning

1. Remove loose dust by running water through the ﬁlter in the opposite

direction of the normal airﬂow. Use a gentle water stream of less

than 40 psi.

2. Mix 1 ounce of detergent per 2 gallons of water, warm or cold, soft

or hard (one cup per 16 gallons). Soak the ﬁlter in the solution for 15

minutes. Do not soak more than 24 hours. Swish the ﬁlter element

around in the solution to help remove dirt.

3. Rinse the ﬁlter opposite the airﬂow with a gentle stream of water

(less than 40 psi) to remove all suds and dirt. If the clean side has

been contaminated with dirty water during the soak cycle, rinsing

from both sides will be necessary.

4. Dry the ﬁlter thoroughly before reuse. Warm air of less than 160°F

must be circulated. Do not use a light bulb to dry the ﬁlter. The ﬁlter is

now ready for inspection.

Inspection

1. Look through the ﬁlter toward a bright light. Inspect the ﬁlter

thoroughly from all sides for holes and tears in the ﬁlter media.

2. Check the ﬁlter for damaged metal parts. DO NOT reuse damaged

ﬁlters.

3. If your ﬁlter contains a gasket, inspect the gasket for damage. If it is

not smooth and ﬂat, replace the gasket, because the seal may not be

air tight. If your ﬁlter does not contain gaskets, be sure the sealing

surface is smooth and ﬂat.

inStallation

1. Inspect the housing surface on which the ﬁlter seals. It must have a

clean, smooth and ﬂat surface.

2. Reinstall the ﬁlter. Be sure it is mounted securely and there are no

dust leaks past the edge of the ﬁlter and gasket.

3. This a dry-type ﬁlter – DO NOT apply oil to the ﬁlter.

* This document replaces bulletins 1400-26 and P478873.