Sylvie Willis
The fuel filter element in a Cat 312E can be removed by first draining the fuel into a plastic container. If fuel continues to run despite the valve being closed, you can pinch off the hoses leading to and from the filter. This can be done with special hose pinch pliers or with long-nose vise grips that have been modified by grinding off the teeth and rounding the corners.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Engine | Loses power and throws a low/high pressure code |
| Fuel tank | Drain the fuel tank and check the storage tank for water |
| Fuel loss | Excessive fuel loss during filter change |
| Valve | Close the valve under the tank |
| Filters | Primary filter near the tank, secondary above the batteries |
| Filter change | Drain fuel into a plastic container |
| Tools | Special hose pinch pliers, long-nose vise grips |
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What You'll Learn
Drain fuel into a container
When changing the fuel filters on a 312E Cat engine, it is recommended to drain the fuel into a container. This is because, even with the valve closed, fuel may continue to run, and so draining it into a container prevents any wastage and mess.
To do this, you will need a plastic container to hand. You can use special hose pinch pliers to prevent fuel from running from the hoses to and from the filter, or you can use standard long-nose vise grips with the teeth ground off and the corners rounded. This will allow you to pinch off the hoses without damaging them.
It is also possible to use stainless steel exhaust clamps with two 3/8 inch bolts. These can be saved from previous stainless steel clamps and used to clamp off the fuel or heater hoses. This is a useful trick to prevent fuel wastage and to make the process of changing the fuel filter cleaner and more efficient.
By following these steps, you can effectively drain the fuel into a container when changing the filter on a 312E Cat engine.
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Pinch off hoses
When changing the fuel filter on a Cat 312E, it is recommended to first drain the fuel into a plastic container. If the fuel continues to run even with the valve closed, you will need to pinch off the hoses to and from the filter to prevent fuel loss.
Special hose pinch pliers can be purchased for this purpose, but some people instead use long-nose vise grips with the teeth ground off and the corners rounded over. Another suggestion is to reuse the half-circle bars from 4-inch-wide stainless steel exhaust clamps with two 3/8 inch bolts. These can be saved when replacing the clamps and then used to clamp off the fuel or heater hoses.
It is important to note that some Cat 312E machines may have an inline filter in addition to the primary and secondary filters. This inline filter may be located in the pump house and could be missed when servicing the filters.
By following these steps and suggestions, you can effectively pinch off the hoses when removing the fuel filter element of a Cat 312E.
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Use hose pinch pliers
When changing the fuel filter on a Cat 312E, you will first need to drain the fuel into a plastic container. If fuel continues to run out even with the valve closed, you will need to pinch off the hoses to and from the filter.
Special hose pinch pliers can be purchased for this purpose. Hose pinch pliers are available in a variety of styles, including straight, angled, heavy-duty, and corbin. They can be used on various hoses, including radiator, water, air, heater, vacuum, and fuel lines. Hose pinch pliers are designed to fit different hose diameters, so it is important to select the correct size for the hoses you are working on. For fuel lines, you will need pliers that can accommodate a hose diameter of up to 2-1/2".
Alternatively, you can modify a standard pair of long-nose vise grips to act as hose pinch pliers by grinding off the teeth and rounding over the corners. This will prevent damage to the hoses. Another option is to use stainless steel exhaust clamps with two 3/8" bolts. The half-circle bars that the bolts pass through can be saved and used to clamp off the fuel hoses.
The GEARWRENCH Automatic Locking Ratcheting Hose Pinch Off Pliers are a popular choice for mechanics. They are available in different sizes to fit various hose diameters. These pliers provide extra clamping pressure, making them ideal for heater hoses and brake lines. However, they may not be suitable for radiator hoses as they can sometimes allow leaks.
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Close the valve under the tank
Closing the valve under the tank is an important step when removing the fuel filter element of a Cat 312E. This step is necessary to prevent fuel loss and potential spillage during the filter change. Here is a detailed guide on how to close the valve under the tank:
Locate the valve: Before beginning any maintenance work, ensure you have located the valve under the fuel tank. This valve controls the flow of fuel and needs to be closed before removing the fuel filter.
Prepare the necessary tools: In some cases, you may need special hose pinch pliers to close the valve completely. If you don't have access to these pliers, a suitable alternative is to use long-nose vise grips with the teeth ground off and the corners rounded over. This will help you achieve a secure grip without damaging the hoses.
Drain the fuel tank: Before closing the valve, it is essential to drain the fuel into a plastic container. Place the container under the drain plug and open the drain valve to release the fuel. This step ensures that you are working with an empty tank, reducing the risk of fuel spillage.
Close the valve securely: Once the fuel is drained, proceed to close the valve tightly. If you are using vise grips or hose pinch pliers, adjust them firmly onto the hoses leading to and from the filter. This will prevent any residual fuel from leaking out. Ensure that the valve is completely closed before proceeding with the filter change.
Check for leaks: After closing the valve, carefully inspect the hoses and the valve for any signs of fuel leakage. This step is crucial to ensure that the valve is fully closed and there is no risk of fuel escaping during the filter removal process. If fuel continues to run even with the valve closed, you may need to apply more pressure with the vise grips or consider using the stainless steel exhaust clamp trick mentioned in the forum post.
By following these steps, you can effectively close the valve under the tank when removing the fuel filter element of your Cat 312E. Remember to refer to the machine's manual for additional safety precautions and always exercise caution when working with fuel to avoid any hazards.
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Locate the primary and secondary filters
To locate the primary and secondary filters of the Cat 312E, refer to the Caterpillar manual or a mechanic. The primary filter is located near the fuel tank, while the secondary filter is located above the batteries.
The process of changing these filters begins by draining the fuel into a plastic container. If the fuel continues to run even with the valve closed, you can pinch off the hoses leading to and from the filter. This can be done with special hose pinch pliers, or with two long-nose vise grips that have the teeth ground off and the corners rounded over.
There may also be an inline filter in the pump house, which looks like a 3-inch stainless steel cylinder.
When performing fuel servicing, it is recommended to do so when the fuel tank is 1/5 full or less.
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Frequently asked questions
First, drain the fuel into a plastic container. If fuel continues to run even with the valve closed, pinch off the hoses to and from the filter. You can buy special hose pinch pliers, or use two long-nose vise grips with the teeth ground off and the corners rounded over.
You may have an inline filter that you've missed. Check the pump house for a stainless steel cylinder that is about 3" long.
According to Caterpillar, all fuel servicing should be scheduled when the fuel tank is 1/5 full or less.
