When To Change Your Bobcat's Fuel Filter

Bobcat fuel filters should be replaced every 1,000 hours or annually. This is a general recommendation, and some Bobcat machines may have different requirements. For example, the Bobcat 763 has a suction line that can break off, causing fuel to stop flowing out. In addition to the fuel filter, Bobcat machines also have a pre-filter that should be replaced and primed.

How to change the fuel filter on Tier 4 Bobcat engines

Today's diesel engines for compact equipment are cleaner than ever before, but this makes them highly susceptible to contamination. To keep your Bobcat machine running smoothly, it is important to use high-quality fuel and replace your fuel filters regularly.

Bobcat Company provides a video tutorial on how to replace the R-Series fuel filters on Tier 4 Bobcat engines. This guide is applicable to Bobcat R-Series compact track loaders and skid-steer loaders, as well as some machines in the M-Series loaders, R2-Series excavators, compact wheel loaders, Toolcat™ utility work machines, and telehandlers manufactured since 2020.

Items Needed:

• A genuine Bobcat fuel filter (part number 7336334)
• A genuine Bobcat pre-filter (part number 7348032)
• A genuine Bobcat fuel tank vent or breather cap
• Shop towels or rags
• 9mm (3/8 in) x 300mm (12 in)-600mm (24 in) extra hose
• A filter wrench and other tools

Steps:

• Check the operation and maintenance manual before performing any maintenance work. Ensure the engine is cool before starting.
• Check the water separator bowl. Drain when water is visible, when notified by the 'water in fuel' code, or at every fuel filter replacement. Install an extra hose and then loosen the drain.
• Service the filter only when required, otherwise, replace it every 1,000 hours or annually. Disconnect the electrical connector and remove the separator bowl. Remove the old filter.
• Do not pre-fill the new filter with fuel. Lubricate the new O-rings. Install the separator bowl before installing onto the filter housing. Connect the electrical and perform any final cleanup. The fuel system will need to be primed with fuel, and air removed from the system.
• Clean the pre-filter and area. Move the hose clamps off. Remove each fuel hose and loosen the filter clamp. Note the orientation of the arrow on the pre-filter before removing and discarding it.
• Install the new pre-filter with the arrow facing the correct direction. Install the hoses and move the clamps back to the correct position. Remove the hose pliers.
• Prime the pre-filter and remove air from the system.
• Replace the fuel tank vent or breather cap with a new genuine Bobcat part, if necessary.

Troubleshooting a Bobcat 763 that runs a few minutes and dies after replacing the fuel filter

Bobcat recommends replacing the fuel filter on your Bobcat 763 every 1,000 hours or annually, but this may vary depending on the age and condition of your machine. If you are experiencing issues with your Bobcat 763 running for a few minutes and then dying after replacing the fuel filter, there are several troubleshooting steps you can try.

First, check for water or debris in the fuel system, including the feed line and the check valve. Try removing the feed line at the engine and blowing back into the tank to check for obstructions. If you are able to blow back into the tank, there may be debris in the check valve that is causing the issue. Remove the check valve and check for any obstructions.

Another possible cause could be a broken suction line. The Bobcat 763 is known to have issues with the suction line breaking off on the fitting that goes into the tank. Verify the suction line by removing the line from the fitting and checking for any breaks or damage. If the hose is broken, replace it with a new one.

Additionally, check all of your fuel lines for cracks, as well as the fuel pickup tube in the tank, as this has a tendency to crack or break. If you find any cracks or damage, replace the affected parts.

If the issue persists, try replacing the fuel lift pump or the diaphragm, as a faulty diaphragm can cause air to be sucked into the system. You can also try replacing sections of the fuel line with clear line to identify where the air is being introduced.

Finally, check the tank vent and the fuel cap to ensure proper ventilation. A blocked vent or faulty fuel cap can cause the tank to not vent properly, leading to air being introduced into the fuel system.

By systematically going through these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue with your Bobcat 763 running for a few minutes and then dying after replacing the fuel filter.

How to replace R-Series fuel filters on Tier 4 Bobcat engines

This guide will take you through the process of replacing the fuel filter, pre-filter, and breather cap on the Tier 4 Bobcat® engine in Bobcat® R-Series compact track loaders and skid-steer loaders. This guide also applies to some machines of Bobcat M-Series loaders, Bobcat R2-Series excavators, Bobcat compact wheel loaders, Bobcat Toolcat™ utility work machines and Bobcat telehandlers manufactured since 2020, which use part number 7336334 fuel filter. If your Bobcat machine does not use this filter or a pre-filter, you may find the guide 'How to Change the Fuel Filter on Tier 4 Bobcat Engines' more useful.

Items Needed

• A genuine Bobcat fuel filter (part number 7336334), available at your dealer, or online.
• A genuine Bobcat pre-filter (part number 7348032), available at your dealer, or online.
• A genuine Bobcat fuel tank vent or breather cap available at your dealer, or online.
• Shop towels or rags
• 9mm (3/8 in) x 300mm (12 in)-600mm (24 in) extra hose
• A filter wrench and other tools

Step-by-Step Guide

• Check and Drain Water: Check the water separator bowl. Only drain when water is visible, when notified by the 'water in fuel' code, or at every fuel filter replacement. Install an extra hose and then loosen the drain.
• Remove the Old Filter: Service only when required, otherwise replace every 1,000 hours or annually. Disconnect the electrical connector and remove the separator bowl. Remove the filter.
• Install a New Filter: Do not pre-fill a new filter with fuel. Lubricate the new O-rings. Install the separator bowl before installing onto the filter housing. Connect the electrical. Perform any final cleanup. The fuel system will need to be primed with fuel and air removed from the system.
• Remove the Old Pre-Filter: Clean the pre-filter and area. Move the hose clamps off. Remove each fuel hose and loosen the filter clamp. Note the orientation of the arrow on the pre-filter before removing and discarding it.
• Install a New Pre-Filter: Install the new pre-filter with the arrow facing the correct direction. Install hoses and move the clamps back to the correct position. Remove the hose pliers.
• Prime and Remove Air: Any time a fuel filter is replaced, the pre-filter will need to be primed and air removed from the system.
• Replacing a Breather Cap: Your machine may also have a fuel tank vent or breather cap that vents excess pressure. Replace with a new genuine Bobcat part.

Tips

• Check the operation and maintenance manual before performing any maintenance work, and make sure the engine is cool before starting service.
• Bobcat genuine parts and fluids are made to protect your machine’s performance. With specs that precisely match your machine’s requirements, your Bobcat will be ready to work whenever you need it. You can order from a wide selection of products online at the Bobcat Shop or visit your local Bobcat dealer.

Step-by-step guide to replacing the fuel filter, pre-filter, and breather cap on Tier 4 Bobcat engines

This guide is applicable to the Tier 4 Bobcat engine in Bobcat R-Series compact track loaders and skid-steer loaders. It also applies to select machines of Bobcat M-Series loaders, Bobcat R2-Series excavators, Bobcat compact wheel loaders, Bobcat Toolcat utility work machines, and Bobcat telehandlers manufactured since 2020 that use the part number 7336334 fuel filter.

Items Needed:

• A genuine Bobcat fuel filter (part number 7336334), available at your dealer or online
• A genuine Bobcat pre-filter (part number 7348032), available at your dealer or online
• A genuine Bobcat fuel tank vent or breather cap, available at your dealer or online
• Shop towels or rags
• 9mm (3/8 in) x 300mm (12 in)-600mm (24 in) extra hose
• A filter wrench and other tools

Step 1: Check and Drain Water

Check the water separator bowl. Only drain when water is visible, when notified by the 'water in fuel' code, or at every fuel filter replacement. Install an extra hose and then loosen the drain.

Step 2: Remove the Old Filter

• Service only when required, otherwise replace every 1,000 hours or annually.
• Disconnect the electrical connector and remove the separator bowl.
• Remove the filter.

Step 3: Install a New Filter

• Do not pre-fill a new filter with fuel.
• Lubricate the new O-rings.
• Install the separator bowl before installing onto the filter housing.
• Connect the electrical.
• Perform any final cleanup.
• Prime the fuel system with fuel and remove air from the system.

Step 4: Remove the Old Pre-Filter

• Clean the pre-filter and area.
• Move the hose clamps off.
• Remove each fuel hose and loosen the filter clamp.
• Note the orientation of the arrow on the pre-filter before removing and discarding it.

Step 5: Install a New Pre-Filter

• Install the new pre-filter with the arrow facing the correct direction.
• Install hoses and move the clamps back to the correct position.
• Remove the hose pliers.

Step 6: Prime and Remove Air

Any time a fuel filter is replaced, the pre-filter will need to be primed and air removed from the system.

Step 7: Replace the Breather Cap

Your machine may also have a fuel tank vent or breather cap that vents excess pressure. Replace it with a new genuine Bobcat part.

Be sure to check the operation and maintenance manual before performing any maintenance work, and make sure the engine is cool before starting the service.

Video tutorials for Bobcat engine maintenance

Bobcat has a range of video tutorials for engine maintenance, which are model-specific.

Zero-Turn Mowers

The Zero-Turn Mower maintenance video tutorial covers the following:

• Spark plugs—how to replace or change them.
• Engine oil and filter—how to change or replace the engine oil and filter as recommended by the service schedules every 100 hours of operation or annually.
• Fuel filter—how to inspect and change the fuel filter if it is dirty, damaged, or leaking.
• Air intake, air cleaner, and cooling fins—how to keep these areas free of debris for optimal performance and extended equipment life.
• Air cleaner—how to identify if the air cleaner is dirty and needs to be replaced, and how to replace the air cleaner filters.
• Transaxle maintenance—a deep dive into transaxle expansion tank types, including internal and external expansion tanks, and how to maintain each type.
• Transaxle purge—how to remove air from the transaxle system.
• Operator Presence Interlock System—how to check the system and run an operation check.
• Tire pressure—how to check the tire pressure on all wheels.
• Grease lubrication points—how to locate the grease lubrication points on the zero-turn mower.

Tier 4 Bobcat Engines

Bobcat has a video tutorial on how to change a fuel filter on Tier 4 Bobcat engines.

R-Series Fuel Filters on Tier 4 Bobcat Engines

There is also a video tutorial on how to replace R-Series fuel filters on Tier 4 Bobcat engines. This video provides a step-by-step guide to replacing the fuel filter, pre-filter, and breather cap on the Tier 4 Bobcat engine in Bobcat R-Series compact track loaders and skid-steer loaders.

Other Video Tutorials

Bobcat also has the following video tutorials:

• Check and Replace Chaincase Fluid on Bobcat Skid-Steer Loaders
• Check Bobcat Compact Excavator Track Tension
• Access Lift & Tilt Compensation on Bobcat Loaders
• Bulk Fuel Storage & Considerations for Tier 4 Engines

Frequently asked questions