IR P185WIR & XP185WIR Troubleshooting: Short Air Cleaner Life
If your Ingersoll Rand P185WIR or XP185WIR is constantly burning through air cleaner elements, it’s time to take a closer look. These elements aren’t cheap—and if they’re failing too soon, there’s probably a bigger issue at play. Here’s how to troubleshoot and extend their lifespan.
Common Causes of Short Air Cleaner Life
- Dirty operating conditions: Excessive dust, pollen, or debris in the environment can clog your filter fast. Use a pre-cleaner if you’re in extremely dusty locations.
- Inadequate element cleaning: If you're using a reusable element, make sure you’re cleaning it thoroughly—and letting it dry completely before reinstalling.
- Defective service indicator: If the indicator isn’t working, you may be changing filters too late—or too early.
- Incorrect stopping procedure: Shutting the machine down without idling can cause blowback that soils the filter.
- Wrong air filter element: Using a filter that doesn’t meet OEM specs can shorten service life and allow dirt into the system.
Recommended Fixes
- Use a high-quality OEM-equivalent air filter element to ensure a proper seal and maximum surface area.
- Replace the service indicator if it’s stuck, inaccurate, or cracked.
- In harsh environments, consider installing a pre-cleaner attachment to reduce the load on the primary filter.
- Follow correct shutdown procedures—idle the unit before turning it off to avoid oil or soot blowback into the intake.
Maintenance Reminder
Don’t forget to inspect your air filter element at regular intervals—especially if you're operating in extreme conditions. A little prevention goes a long way in protecting your engine and your wallet.