Crank Case Filters For Peterbilt Trucks
Crankcase filters — also called crankcase ventilation filters or CCV filters — remove oil mist and aerosols from blowby gases before they're routed back into the intake system. On modern emissions-compliant diesel engines like the PACCAR MX-13 and Cummins X15, the CCV system is closed-loop, meaning filtered crankcase vapors are recirculated rather than vented to atmosphere. A clogged or failed CCV filter causes excessive crankcase pressure, oil leaks, and oil carryover into the intake — a condition that can damage the turbocharger and EGR system over time.
Frequently asked questions about crank case filters
How often should the crankcase filter be replaced on a Peterbilt?
Most OEM recommendations call for CCV filter replacement every 50,000–100,000 miles, but intervals vary by engine make and application. High-load vocational applications generate more blowby and may require more frequent changes. Check your engine manufacturer's maintenance schedule — the PACCAR MX and Cummins ISX/X15 both have specific CCV service intervals in their maintenance guides.
What are the symptoms of a clogged crankcase filter?
A severely restricted CCV filter causes crankcase pressure to build beyond what the pressure relief valve can manage, leading to oil leaks at gaskets, seals, and the dipstick tube. You may also notice oily residue in the intake piping downstream of the CCV connection, or blue-gray smoke from oil burning in the combustion chamber. Catching a clogged filter early prevents more serious downstream damage.
Can I clean and reuse a crankcase filter instead of replacing it?
Most modern CCV filter elements are not serviceable — they use a coalescing media that loses effectiveness once saturated and cannot be reliably cleaned and reinstalled. Some older open-breather designs used a metal mesh element that could be cleaned with solvent, but for any closed-loop CCV system on a current-generation diesel, replacement is the correct service procedure.
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