Industry leaders understand that quality fuels, oils and filters are essential contributors to engine or equipment reliability and productivity. 

Reputable providers will ensure the integrity of fuels and lubes delivered to site. The use of breathers on site-based storage vessels and high efficiency filtration between the storage vessel and the machine, should allow only critically clean fluids to reach your equipment.  

The weakest link in the chain may be the risk to our engine and hydraulic system during routine service works. The removal of any breather, spin-on or cartridge style filter opens a closed-system, exposing sophisticated components to a broad range of environmental and introduced contaminates. Systems such as High-Pressure Common Rail diesel fuel pump and injectors can be irreversibly damaged by particles in the size range of bacteria.

The spin-on filter is widely used in fuel, engine lube, coolant and hydraulic applications across automotive and heavy-duty industries alike. Many millions of spin-on filters are installed onto heavy-duty Australian applications each year and it is extremely rare for a reputable manufacturers filter to fail in service.

The technology is inside the filter can. Correct installation can be safely performed by most people without the need for extensive special tooling.  

Always think and work clean. Easy to say but hard to do when you are performing service works with the wind gusting out in the paddock or on the pit floor.

For successful servicing, be sure to follow the below instructions:

1. Before you start your service, make sure you have the correct part number for the application and have the replacement element on hand in original sealed packaging.
   
   

2. Inspect the new filter for damage and that the gasket is securely located prior to fitment. It is also necessary to inspect the inside of the filter for introduced contamination or debris. Never install a filter with visible manufacturing faults or shipping damage.
   
   

3. Question the need to prefill or prime spin-on filters, not all manufacturers require pre-filling and the process may introduce contamination. It is important not to lubricate gaskets with rubber grease or with universal penetrative dispersant lubricants as these compounds may result in leaking filters. New filter gaskets should be lubricated with a thin film of clean motor oil.  
   
   

4. When it comes time to fit your filter, try to have the system open for the shortest amount of time possible. Disconnect any sensors and securely fit them to the new element.
   
   

5. Remove the existing filter and clean the gasket mating surface with a clean cloth. Do not use degreasing agents to clean the filter head.
   
   

6. When you’re ready to fit the new filter, confirm head condition and spigot security. Align the thread and spin on until the gasket contacts the head. We recommend torquing the filter by hand to the recommended number of turns printed on the filter can - tighter is not better.
   
   

7. If needed, top-up your application with oil. Some systems will require priming via a manual or electric priming pump. Finally, run your engine, check for leaks and confirm fluids levels if applicable.
   
   

Poor installation techniques can damage filters and may directly result in filters spinning off whilst in service, causing catastrophic engine or component failures. The contamination introduced during sub-standard routine service works may directly impact the reliability and productivity of your investments.     

To learn more about contamination control, visit www.Donaldson.com.