A Practical Guide to Air Filter Maintenance and Key Part Numbers to Keeping Perkins Engines Running Introduction

There are Perkins engine at site of power generation, agriculture, and industrial machinery. A poorly maintained air filter can undo thousands of dollars of investment in minutes.

From worn cylinder liners to damaged injectors, the consequences of dust ingestion are serious. In this article, we’ll look at why air filters matter, the challenges operators often face, and the Perkins filter part numbers every maintenance manager should know.

Why Air Filters Matter in Perkins Engines

Each 1L requires about 15,000L clean air. In dusty environments like construction sites, mining, or remote gensets, filters are often the only line of defense. When a filter is neglected or replaced with a poor substitute, dust finds its way into the cylinders. The result? Increased wear, higher fuel consumption, and in the worst case, catastrophic engine failure. Proper filtration isn’t just routine maintenance—it’s cheap insurance against downtime.

Cross-sectional diagram of an air filter showing reinforced top, flexible rubber end cap, open pleat structure, bonding adhesive, and reinforced joining

Common Challenges in Filter Maintenance

Despite their importance, air filters create headaches for operators:

  • Premature clogging – Filters fill up faster in harsh environments, leading to frequent service interruptions.

  • Genuine vs aftermarket confusion – Buyers often struggle to verify whether they are sourcing OEM-grade filters or low-cost copies.

  • Cross-reference overload – The same filter may appear under multiple brand numbers (Perkins, Donaldson, Fleetguard, Baldwin), making purchasing and stock management messy.

These issues highlight why knowing the right part numbers and reliable equivalents matters.

Representative Perkins Filter Models You Should Know

  • Perkins 26510192 – Compact filter, common on gensets. Cross-refs: Donaldson P181050, Fleetguard AF435KM.

  • Perkins 26510211 – With finned top for stability, widely used in 1000 series engines.

  • Perkins 26510289 – Large element (406 mm tall) for heavy-duty generator sets.

  • Perkins 26510342 – Radial-seal filter, popular in 4.236 and 1104 series.

  • Perkins 26510353 + 26510354 – Primary + safety pair; best replaced together.

  • Perkins 26510214 – Finned element, ~392 mm, longer service life.

  • Perkins 901-056 (2652C831) – For 1100/1200 series engines and FG Wilson gensets. Cross-refs: Fleetguard AF27840, Donaldson P780331, Baldwin RS4561.

These part numbers aren’t just catalog entries—they are the filters that keep machines working day after day.

Perkins 26510342 air filter collage showing upright view and multiple angles, highlighting product details and replacement quality

Tips from the Workshop

Don’t blow out old filters – Replace them instead.

Keep the housing clean – Dust left behind compromises the seal.

Replace as a set – Primary + safety elements must be changed together.

Use restriction indicators – Saves money and prevents unnecessary downtime.

Sourcing and Cross Reference Management

Perkins 26510192 = Donaldson P181050 or Fleetguard AF435KM.
901-056 (2652C831) = CAT, Baldwin, WIX.

For critical applications like generator sets, stick to trusted suppliers.

Conclusion

An air filter is not a simple part—it directly affects engine life. Models like 26510192, 26510211, 26510289, 26510342, 26510353/54, 26510214, and 901-056 are essential components that keep engines running clean.

👉 Looking for a reliable source of Perkins filters? Contact us today to check stock and request a quote.

Comments

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Product Category

Hot Sale Air Filters

Latest Blog

Contact Us

Tags
5.9 liter ISB/QSB engine air filter 270-7257 Air Filter 270-7257 Air Filter For Caterpillar C32 Engine 3826215 Air Filter 3971070 Air Filter 3971070 Air Filter Compatible with Cummins Tier 3 Marine 6207636 Air Filter Aftermarket C055003 AH19000 23507716 LS42225 3I0011 HD1874 Air Filter Aftermarket C055003 Air Filter Aftermarket Donaldson C045001 Fleeetguard AH19001 Air Filter Aftermarket Donaldson C045002 Air Filter Supplier Aftermarket Donaldson C055002 Forklift Air Filter AH1100 Air Filter Air Filter Replacement Air Filter TOV100-1109100 Air Filter Wholesale Air Filter YK3660 Air Filter YK3660 TOV100-1109100 C045002 Air Filter C055008 3792959 Y05760500 3041626 020365 00810 Air Filter C055008 Air Filter Case Air Filter Cat Air Filter Cat Cabin Air Filter Caterpillar C32 Engine Air Filter Cummins Marine Air Filter D045004 Air Filter Donaldson Air filter Donaldson C045001 Donaldson C055008 Air Filter Fleeetguard AH19001 Air Filter Forklift Air Filter Googol Power Air Filte Googol Power Air Filter Googol Power Air Filter 6203407 Wholesale Googol Power Air Filter 6207636 Manufacturer High-Flow Air Filter John Deere Cab Air Filter John Deere Diesel Generator Air Filter K&N RU-5045 Universal High Performance Air Filter Replacement PACCAR Y06012404 Air Filter Perkins generator filter SAC055002 PA2822 Air Filter Waukesha Air Filter Yanmar Air Filter

Related Blog

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Get Our Offer

Fill out the form below, and we will be in touch shortly.