SUPPORT 3889318 - Caterpillar

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.
Illustration 1 g00103835
(1) Plug. (2) Fuel priming pump. (3) Fuel Filter.
Stop the engine.
Turn off the start switch or disconnect the battery (starting motor) when maintenance is performed on fuel filters.
Shut off the fuel tank supply valve to the engine.
Use a suitable container to catch any fuel that might spill. Clean up any spilled fuel immediately.
Unlock fuel priming pump (2) in order to relieve residual pressure in the fuel system.
Remove used fuel filter (3). Use a cloth or use a container in order to catch excess fuel.
Clean the gasket sealing surface of the fuel filter base. Ensure that all of the old gasket is removed.
Apply clean diesel fuel to the new fuel filter gasket.
Do not fill the secondary fuel filter with fuel before installing. The fuel would not be filtered and could be contaminated. Contaminated fuel will cause accelerated wear to fuel system parts.
Install new fuel filter (3). Tighten the fuel filter until the gasket contacts the base. Tighten the fuel filter by hand according to the instructions that are shown on the fuel filter. Do not overtighten the fuel filter.Note: DO NOT remove plug (1) in the fuel filter base in order to release air from the fuel system during periodic service of the fuel filter. Periodic removal of the plug will result in increased wear of the threads in the fuel filter base.
Operate fuel priming pump (2) until a strong pressure is felt on the fuel priming pump and until the check valve "clicks". This procedure will require considerable strokes. Lock the fuel priming pump.
Open the fuel tank supply valve.
Start the engine according to the normal operating procedures. Immediately increase the engine rpm between 1000 to 1200 rpm with no load. The engine will begin to misfire briefly until air from the fuel filter is purged. No damage to the engine will occur.
Do not crank the engine continuously for more than 30 seconds. Allow the starting motor to cool for two minutes before cranking the engine again.
If the engine stalls during the purging of the air, refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Fuel System - Prime" in the Maintenance Section for more information.