COVER 3830598 - Caterpillar

The high voltage that is produced by an operating generator set can cause severe injury or death. Before performing any maintenance or repairs, ensure that the generator will not start.Place the engine control switch in the "OFF" position. Attach "DO NOT OPERATE" tags to all starting controls. Disconnect the batteries or disable the starting system. Lock out all switchgear and automatic transfer switches that are associated with the generator.
Fuel leaked or spilled onto hot surfaces or electrical components can cause a fire. To help prevent possible injury, turn the start switch off when changing fuel filters or water separator elements. Clean up fuel spills immediately.
Do not allow dirt to enter the fuel system. Thoroughly clean the area around a fuel system component that will be disconnected. Fit a suitable cover over disconnected fuel system component.
Turn the fuel supply valve to the OFF position before performing this maintenance. Place a tray under the fuel filter in order to catch any fuel that might spill. Clean up any spilled fuel immediately.
Illustration 1 g00741109
(1) Cap (2) Locking ring (3) Element (4) Water separator bowl (5) Drain
Close the fuel supply valve.
Clean the outside of the fuel filter assembly. Drain the fuel into a suitable container by using the fuel drain on the bottom of the element (3). Drain the water from the water separator (4) into a suitable container. Not all engines are equipped with a water separator.Note: The fuel level in the element (3) should be reduced before removal of the element. Remove cap (1) if the element is not equipped with a drain on the bottom. Remove the nylon insert in order to reduce the level of fuel in the element. A reduction in the level of fuel in the element will help prevent fuel from being spilled when the element is removed.
Do not use a tool in order to remove the fuel filter. Attempting to remove the fuel filter with a filter wrench or a filter strap could damage the locking ring.
Hold element (3) and rotate locking ring (2) counterclockwise. Remove locking ring (2). The used element should be removed and discarded.Note: If the element is equipped with a sediment bowl, remove the sediment bowl from the element. Thoroughly clean the sediment bowl. Inspect the O-ring seals for wear or damage. Install new O-ring seals, if necessary. Install the sediment bowl onto the new element. Hand tighten the sediment bowl. Hand tightening is the only method that should be used.
Do not fill fuel filters with fuel before installing them. Contaminated fuel will cause accelerated wear to fuel system parts.
Ensure that the filter head is clean. Push a new element fully into the filter head.
Hold the element in place. Fit locking ring (2) into position. Rotate the locking ring clockwise in order to fasten the element to the filter head.Note: If the nylon insert was removed, install the nylon insert and install cap (1) .
Prime the fuel system. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Fuel System - Prime" for more information.