What the Caterpillar 3306 Air Filter Element does
A diesel engine burns a large volume of air for every litre of fuel. The air filter keeps dust out of the cylinders while letting that air flow freely — on dusty Kenyan sites, it is one of the most important service parts.
A blocked filter chokes the engine (black smoke, low power, high fuel burn); a damaged or badly fitted one lets abrasive dust through, which wears rings, liners and turbo — damage that leads to an overhaul.
Signs it needs replacing
- The restriction indicator shows red.
- Black smoke and loss of power under load.
- Visible dirt on the clean side of the filter housing.
- The element is torn, collapsed or its seal is damaged.
Get the right part first time
Send us these on WhatsApp and our engineers will confirm the exact part before you pay:
- The part number on your current element.
- A photo of the engine dataplate — the engine serial number decides the exact part.
- A photo of the generator nameplate (make, model, kVA, serial number).
Fitting notes
Clean the housing with a damp cloth (never blow dust into the clean side), check the seal seats evenly, and reset the restriction indicator. Do not tap or blow out paper elements to reuse them — it damages the media.
Frequently asked questions
How often should the air filter be replaced?+
When the restriction indicator says so, and at least once a year. Dusty sites such as quarries, construction and farms need more frequent checks.
Can I clean and reuse it?+
We do not recommend it. Blowing or tapping damages the paper and lets dust through to the engine.
Do you supply filters for other engines?+
Yes — send us your engine model or the old filter's part number.