The air cleaner is equipped with a paper filter element. Checking the condition and cleaning of the element should be carried out in accordance with the routine maintenance schedule above, but at least every 3000 km on 4.2L models (see accompanying illustration) and 5000 km on 3.0 l models.
It is recommended to replace the air cleaner element at least every 40,000 km. In this case, the interval should be shortened accordingly if the vehicle is operated under stressful conditions.
Before entering the air cleaner, the intake air passes through a cyclone-type pre-deduster where it swirls, causing most of the dust to settle on the walls of the separator. Accumulated dust should be periodically removed by squeezing the duckbill rubber cover at the bottom of the dust separator housing.
Note. Vley paper filter elements must not be washed with gasoline or any other solvent. If the element is impregnated with fuel or oil, it must be replaced with a new one.
1. Give away one or more (depending on the design of the air cleaner) wing nuts securing the top cover of the air cleaner, remove the washer (s). Release the remaining clips, remove the cover and remove the filter element from the main air cleaner housing.
2. Wipe the inside of the air cleaner cover and body, thoroughly cleaning them of dust and oil deposits. At the same time, try to prevent foreign objects and other debris from entering the carburetor neck
3. Check the condition of the element, replace if necessary. Install in reverse order. In doing so, pay attention to the following points:
- The element must be installed strictly in the center of the main body of the air cleaner;
- Before tightening the wing nuts, secure the top cover with clips;
- First, tighten the wing nuts just until they are in contact with the cover surface, then tighten them an additional three turns.
Late Years 4.2L Models Equipped with Fuel Injection (EFI)
The air cleaner of models equipped with the EFI system has a viscous filter element that does not need periodic cleaning between replacements.
Such a filter element is replaced every 40,000 km (see accompanying illustration), and this interval should be considered only indicative, as in the case of vehicle operation in stressful conditions.
1. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
2. Disconnect the electrical connector of the air flow meter, disconnect the vacuum hoses from the meter.
3. Release the clips securing the top of the air cleaner housing to the bottom.
4. Lift the upper half of the casing and remove the filter element. Install in the reverse order, taking into account the following points:
- Before assembling the air cleaner, thoroughly wipe both halves of the air cleaner housing inside and out with an oil-soaked rag, being careful not to let debris get into the air flow meter.
- Check that the element is installed correctly in the upper half of the air cleaner housing.
- Track reliability of connection of electroconducting to a measuring instrument of an air stream.