3406E, C-10 and C-12 Truck Engines Caterpillar

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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.

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NOTICE
Use a suitable container to catch any fuel that might spill. Clean up any spilled fuel immediately.

1. Stop the engine. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position or disconnect the battery. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Battery or Battery Cable - Disconnect" topic (Maintenance Section) for more information. Shut off the fuel supply valve (if equipped).

2. It may be necessary to relieve residual fuel pressure from the fuel system before the fuel filter is removed. Wait for one to five minutes until the fuel pressure has lowered. Use a suitable container in order to catch any fuel that may spill.

3. Remove the used fuel filter and discard the used fuel filter.

4. Clean the gasket sealing surface of the fuel filter base. Ensure that all of the old gasket is removed.

5. Apply clean diesel fuel to the new fuel filter gasket.

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NOTICE
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.

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NOTICE
In order to maximize fuel system life and prevent premature wear out from abrasive particles in the fuel, a two micron absolute high efficiency fuel filter is required for all Caterpillar Hydraulic Electronic Unit Injectors. Caterpillar High Efficiency Fuel Filters meet these requirements. Consult your Caterpillar dealer for the proper part numbers.

6. Install the new fuel filter. Spin the fuel filter onto the fuel filter base until the gasket contacts the base. Use the rotation index marks on the filters as a guide for proper tightening. Tighten the filter according to the instructions that are on the fuel filter. Do not overtighten the filter.

7. Open the fuel supply valve. 3406E engines will need to be purged of air. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Fuel System - Prime" topic (Maintenance Section) for more information. The C-10 and C-12 engines do not need to be purged of air when the filter is replaced. The C-10 and C-12 engines need to be purged of air only when the engines run dry of fuel. Start the engine. Operate the engine at 1000 rpm to 1200 rpm until the engine runs smoothly. Inspect the fuel system for leaks.

Note: There should be enough residual fuel in the cylinder head in order to start the engine. If the engine stops after starting, do not crank the engine for more than 30 seconds. Then allow the starting motor to cool for two minutes. Repeat this procedure until the engine starts and the engine operates.