PL61 Pipelayer Caterpillar

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Personal injury can result from air pressure. Personal injury can result without following proper procedure. When using pressure air, wear a protective face shield and protective clothing. Maximum air pressure at the nozzle must be less than 205 kPa (30 psi) for cleaning purposes.

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Personal injury can result when using cleaner solvents. To help prevent personal injury, follow the instructions and warnings on the cleaner solvent container before using.

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Personal injury or death can result from a fire. Fuel leaked or spilled onto hot surfaces or electrical components can cause a fire. Clean up all leaked or spilled fuel. Do not smoke while working on the fuel system. Turn the disconnect switch OFF or disconnect the battery when changing fuel filters.

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 ahead of the suggested maintenance interval, unless you are instructed by the monitoring system. This action will 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 on the dash will be illuminated if the fuel filters need to be changed. All machines have a sensor on the second filter to detect plugging. Certain machines have an additional sensor on the primary filter to detect plugging. Both sensors will illuminate the service indicator on the dash. If the service indicator is active, change all three fuel filters.

Note: To reduce the risk of contamination in the system, do not remove the fuel filters 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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Illustration 1	g06279114

1. Open the engine access door on the left side of the machine. Remove the side panel that borders the access door. The fuel filter element is located toward the front of the engine.

2. Turn the fuel supply valve (if equipped) to the OFF position before performing this maintenance.

3. 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.

4. Open drain (3). Allow the fluid to drain into the container. Remove the tube.

5. Tighten the drain by hand pressure only.

6. If equipped, remove the wiring harness from the sensor on the bottom of glass bowl (2).

7. Remove the glass bowl from primary fuel filter (1).

8. Use a Caterpillar strap wrench to remove the filter. Discard the old seals and the canister in a safe place.

9. Clean the glass bowl.

   Note: Do not fill the fuel filter before you install the fuel filter.

10. Install a new filter by hand.

    Instructions for the installation of the filter are printed on the side of each Caterpillar spin-on filter. For non-Caterpillar filters, refer to the installation instructions that are provided by the supplier of the filter.

11. Install the glass bowl on the filter. Ensure that the sensor (if equipped) is in the correct position.

12. If equipped, install the wiring harness to the sensor.

13. Replace the secondary fuel filter immediately after you change the primary fuel filter. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Fuel System Secondary Filter - Replace" for more information.

14. Dispose of all fluids in accordance with local regulations.

15. Turn the engine start switch key to the ON position and prime the fuel system. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Fuel System Filter (In-Line) - Replace" for more information.

16. Install the side panel. Close the access door.

Secondary Filter

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Illustration 2	g06283956

1. Open the engine access door on the left side of the machine. Remove the side panel that borders the access door. The secondary fuel filter is on the front of the engine on the left side.

2. Ensure that the fuel supply valve (if equipped) is in the OFF position. Place a suitable container under the fuel filter to catch any fuel that might spill. Clean up any spilled fuel.

3. Clean the outside of the fuel filter. Use a Caterpillar strap wrench to remove the filter from the engine and dispose of the filter in a safe place.

   Note: Before you install the fuel filter, do not attempt to fill the fuel in the fuel filter.

4. Install the new filter by hand.

   Instructions for the installation of the filter are printed on the side of each Caterpillar spin-on filter. For non-Caterpillar filters, refer to the installation instructions that are provided by the supplier of the filter.

5. Be sure to mark the sticker for the maintenance schedule that is attached to the secondary fuel filter.

6. Turn the engine start switch key to the ON position and prime the fuel system. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Fuel System Filter (In-Line) - Replace" for more information.

7. Before you start the engine, make sure that the drain valves are closed. Start the engine. Check for leaks.

8. Install the side panel. Close the engine access door.