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I just switched
from gasoline power to a pair of diesel engines equipped with Airsep
air/oil separators. How do they work, and what is the required maintenance?
L.B., via e-mail
During engine operation,
the Walker Airsep separates the oil from the fuel-rich blowby gases
and returns the oil to the crankcase while sending the remaining combustible
gases and water vapor into the air-intake system so they can be burned
in the combustion chambers. This latter feature is particularly important
on turbocharged and aftercooled engines as it helps prevent buildup
on the turbine blades and the internal passages of the aftercooler.
In addition, the water vapor reportedly reduces combustion temperatures,
resulting in increased engine life. According to Walker, the Airsep
also creates a slight vacuum in the crankcase, reducing or eliminating
most seal leaks and reducing the amount of oil forced past the rings
into the cylinders.
Maintenance is easy,
although since Walker warns that failure to follow the required regimen
can lead to engine damage, it recommends that you use only the company’s
Cleaning and Re-oiling Kit, available at any Walker dealer.
Clean the air filter
element every 250 engine hours or once a year, whichever comes first.
First pre-clean the filter by removing the element from the Airsep unit
and tapping it to dislodge any large particles or dirt and cleaning
the element with a soft-bristle brush. Next, spray the cleaning solution
supplied in the kit onto the filter element and let it stand for about
ten minutes. Rinse the element with low-pressure fresh water; Walker
cautions against using gasoline, steam, caustic solutions, high-pressure
water, air, or solvents. Shake off the excess water and let the filter
air-dry. Again, do not use compressed air, an open flame, heat gun,
or dryer.
Once dry, the filter
is ready for oiling. Using the air filter oil also supplied in the kit,
squeeze small amounts across the top of each pleat, allowing the oil
to wick into the filter element. Allow about 20 minutes for the oil
to saturate the element. If you notice any white spots, re-oil them
until the entire element is soaked through. And remember, any time the
Airsep’s restriction gauge turns red, it is time to service the
main element.
You can clean the
vacuum regulator/limiter the same way, except that it will not be necessary
to remove the filter element; remove and clean the entire unit. According
to Walker, if you keep the main filter element clean, a yearly inspection
of the smaller vacuum regulator/limiter will suffice. However, since
the regulator operation is directly dependent on having a clean main-filter
element, cleaning both at the same time is good preventive maintenance.
A new main air-filter
element should be installed after three cleanings. For more information,
visit www.walkerairsep.com or
call (818) 252-7788.
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