LINK & BEARING AS 4Q1346 - Caterpillar

Do not pre-fill the fuel filter with fuel before you install the fuel filter. Contaminated fuel WILL DAMAGE the fuel system components.
Caterpillar STRONGLY recommends the use of high efficiency fuel filters. High efficiency fuel filters are designed in order to better protect diesel engines that have higher injection pressures and closer tolerances. Use of fuel filters that are NOT high efficiency fuel filters will result in shortened fuel system component life. Caterpillar high efficiency fuel filters are the preferred filters for Caterpillar engines.
Care must be taken to ensure that fluids are contained during performance of inspection, maintenance, testing, adjusting, and repair of the product. Be prepared to collect the fluid with suitable containers before opening any compartment or disassembling any component containing fluids.Refer to Special Publication, NENG2500, "Dealer Service Tool Catalog" for tools and supplies suitable to collect and contain fluids on Cat® products.Dispose of all fluids according to local regulations and mandates.
To keep the engine in optimum condition, keeping the fuel free from contamination is important. As fuel system contamination usually occurs during refueling, the following points should be observed:
Only use clean fuel of the correct grade from a reliable source.
Do not refuel from contaminated containers or containers that are not suitable for fuel storage.
Do not use contaminated equipment.
Regularly clean the outside of the fuel filler cap and the area around the fuel filler cap.
Only use Caterpillar approved fuel filters. The use of Caterpillar filters is essential to protect the fuel system.
Do not service the fuel filters prior to the suggested maintenance interval. This action may increase the risk of contamination in the fuel system.Note: If equipped, the service indicator for “Water in Fuel” will be illuminated if the sediment bowl needs to be emptied.Note: The service indicator for the fuel system will be illuminated if the sediment bowl needs to be emptied. The service indicator for the fuel system will be illuminated if the primary fuel filter is plugged or if the secondary fuel filter is plugged. If the indicator is illuminated, empty the water in the sediment bowl. If the indicator remains illuminated, replace the primary fuel filter and the secondary fuel filter.Note: To reduce the risk of contamination in the system, do not remove the primary fuel filter and the secondary fuel filter simultaneously. Perform these operations separately.Note: After the engine has stopped, wait 60 seconds to allow the fuel pressure to be purged from the high-pressure fuel lines before any service or repair is performed on the engine fuel lines.Primary Filter
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Open the rear access door on the left side of the machine. The fuel filter element is located inside the compartment.
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Turn the fuel supply valve (if equipped) to the OFF position before performing this maintenance.
Place a suitable container under the water separator to catch any fuel that might spill. Clean up any spilled fuel. Clean the outside of the water separator and the fuel filter.
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Open drain (3). Allow the fluid to drain into the container. Remove the tube.
Tighten the drain