LINK AS-TRACK 4545843 - Caterpillar

Family, 3500 Family and D348 Diesel and Spark Ignited EnginesReports indicate that some 2P4005 Oil Filter Assemblies may be difficult to install on the oil filter base. Different processes are used to form the threads in the retainer plate of Caterpillar oil filters. One of the processes used to machine the retainer plate of the filter assembly can produce threads which may make the oil filter difficult to get started on the filter base stud. Filters produced with this thread forming process can be identified by the letter "E" following the part number on the outside of the filter.
Some filters can require more than one attempt to get them installed. If difficulty is experienced during the installation of one of the 2P4005"E" Oil Filter Assemblies, (feels tight or beginning to cross thread), DO NOT force it on to the base stud. Loosen the filter from the stud. Be sure the filter is correctly aligned with the filter base stud. Slowly and carefully start the filter on the stud. Once the filter has correctly engaged the first few threads, it will turn easily on the stud and can be tightened in the normal manner.
These oil filters meet all of Caterpillar's strict quality standards and provide the necessary engine protection required by Caterpillar. They can be used with confidence once they are correctly installed. The thread forming process used on the 2P4005"E" Oil Filter Assemblies is being changed to eliminate this situation.