Maintaining Your Kenworth Air Intake For Peak Performance

Keeping Your Kenworth Running Clean With Air Filters

Having a clean air intake system is critical for engine performance and longevity in heavy duty trucks like Kenworths. The air cleaner assembly is the first defense, preventing contaminants from entering the engine through the intake. For trucks that haul heavy loads or operate in dusty environments, replacing these air filters regularly is essential maintenance.

The Importance of Air Cleaners for Kenworths

Air cleaners provide the first stage of air filtration before it enters the engine. The components typically include the housing, a primary filter element, and a safety filter. These filters capture particles, moisture, and other containments that can cause internal wear on cylinder walls, pistons, valve trains, and bearings. Keeping your Kenworth air cleaner properly serviced will prevent decreased power and fuel economy while also avoiding unnecessary repairs or engine rebuilds down the road.

Inspecting the Kenworth Air Cleaner System

The air cleaner housing will typically be located towards the front-right fender well on most Kenworth trucks. Access and inspection should be part of regular preventative maintenance. Check for holes, cracks, or loose components that could allow unfiltered air into the engine. The primary and safety filter elements themselves should be checked for any tears or holes as well. Most air cleaners will have a service indicator that shows red when the filter needs replacement.

Replacing Kenworth Air Cleaner Filters

The primary air filter will need replacement every 12,000 to 36,000 miles depending on operating conditions. When the service indicator shows red, replacing this primary element right away is recommended. The secondary safety filter can usually last up to 100,000 miles before needing replacement. Use manufacturer approved air cleaner elements to avoid any loss of filtration capacity or improper housing fit.

Steps For Replacing Kenworth Air Cleaners

Follow these steps when servicing or replacing your Kenworth's air cleaner assembly:

1. Unclamp and detach the air cleaner housing cover
2. Carefully remove the primary filter element
3. Check or replace the secondary safety filter if needed
4. Inspect the interior housing walls for dirt buildup
5. Install the new primary air filter element
6. Replace cover and secure all clamps
7. Reset the air filter service indicator

Be sure to dispose of spent filters properly. Wiping down interior surfaces when changing elements will also help keep the housing clear of debris that could dislodge later. Avoid tapping or hitting filters to remove dust which could damage the filter media.

Added Protection for your Kenworth Engine

Beyond regular air filter changes, some additional intake protections can help extend the service life for your Kenworth's air filtration system:

Air Filter Restriction Gauges

Aftermarket restriction gauges can be mounted to measure the vacuum difference before and after the air cleaner housing. This measurement indicates how clogged the filters have become for a more accurate service reading.

Pre-Cleaners

Pre-cleaner housings attach to the air intake opening to spin and separate large particulates before they even reach the primary air filter. This extends the service interval for filter replacements.

Intake Heater Boxes

Heater boxes mount over the air cleaner assembly with a small diesel-fired burner to warm intake air temperatures. This prevents cold air condensation inside the filters on humid or cold weather days which degrades performance.

Maintaining Your Kenworth Air Intake Optimizes Performance

Paying attention to your heavy duty truck's air cleaner service needs will go a long way towards reliability. Old dirty filters choke off air delivery to the engine, hurting fuel efficiency and responsiveness. By properly replacing Kenworth air cleaners at the recommended intervals, trucks breathe freely. Engine components last far longer without air particulate contamination slowly grinding them down internally over miles of operation.

Investing a small amount of time and money in this basic maintenance pays off exponentially down the road with lower repair costs and reduced downtime. Well-filtered air is critical for engine health. Monitoring and maintaining your Kenworth's air cleaner system keeps your truck hauling without hauling contaminates through the motor. Your truck will thank you with a responsive pedal and miles of faithful service.

FAQs

How often should I replace the air filters on my Kenworth?

The primary air filter needs replacement every 12,000 to 36,000 miles depending on operating conditions. The secondary safety filter can typically go up to 100,000 miles before requiring replacement.

What are some signs my Kenworth air cleaner needs servicing?

Check the service indicator on the air cleaner assembly. When it shows red, it's time to replace the primary filter. Also watch for decreased engine power, fuel economy drops, or exhaust smoke as signs of a clogged air filter.

What steps should I take when changing my Kenworth's air filters?

Proper air filter replacement steps include: unclamping the housing, removing old filters, inspecting for debris, installing new filters, replacing the cover, resetting the indicator, and disposing of old filters properly.

What extra air intake protections can I add?

Consider adding restriction gauges, pre-cleaner housings, or intake heater boxes for extended performance from your Kenworth's air filtration system.