Caterpillar Excavator 349F

Ensure that the engine is stopped before any servicing or repair is performed.

Be prepared to collect the fluid with suitable containers before opening any compartment or disassembling any component containing fluids.

Dispose of all fluids according to local regulations and mandates.

Remove clips (2) and (3). Disconnect harness assemblies (4). Remove hose assemblies (1) and (5).

Remove bolts (6), plate (7), tank manifold (8), and gasket (not shown).

Unscrew the band clamp (9) and remove the band clamp from the filter base (10).

Remove the filter (11) from the filter base.

Remove the suction filter (12) at the bottom of the header coils by pulling tabs (13). Replace with a new suction filter.

Clean the battery surface with a clean cloth. Keep the terminals clean and keep the terminals coated with petroleum jelly. Install the post cover after you coat the terminal post with petroleum jelly.

Tighten the hold-downs for the battery in order to prevent the batteries from moving during machine operation.

Counterweight Removal Chain - Lubricate

Proper operation of the Counterweight Removal System depends on a properly lubricated counterweight chain. If the chain is not lubricated properly, the chain may rust and seize during the removal operation. A seized chain can fracture and result in complete failure of the chain. The counterweight can then suddenly fall which can result in personal injury or death.

Use an approved ladder or platform when lubricating the upper portion of the chain.

If seizure of the chain occurs during counterweight removal, stop the operation of the counterweight removal system and contact your nearest dealer for chain replacement.

Hydraulic System Oil Filter (Case Drain) - Replace

WARNING: Hot oil and hot components can cause personal injury. Do not allow hot oil or hot components to contact skin.

1. Park the machine on level ground. Lower the bucket to the ground so that the stick is vertical.

2. Move the hydraulic lockout control to the UNLOCKED position.

3. Turn the engine start switch to the ON position.

4. Move the joysticks and the travel levers/pedals to the full stroke positions in order to relieve the pressure in the pilot lines.

5. Turn the engine start switch to the OFF position and return the lever for the hydraulic lockout control to the LOCKED position.

Hydraulic System Oil Level - Check

WARNING: Hot oil and hot components can cause personal injury. Do not allow hot oil or hot components to contact skin.

Never remove the fill/vent plug from the hydraulic tank if the oil is hot.

Air can enter the system and cause pump damage.

The hydraulic oil tank is on the right side of the machine.

1. Park the machine on level ground. Lower the bucket to the ground with the stick in a vertical position, as shown.

2. Open the access door on the right side of the machine.

3. For a cold machine, maintain the hydraulic oil level in the low temperature range. For a machine that is at normal operating temperature, maintain the hydraulic oil level in the high temperature range.

WARNING: Engine hood and engine hood parts can be hot while engine is running or immediately after engine shutdown. Hot parts or hot components can cause burns or personal injury. Do not allow these parts to contact your skin, when engine is running or immediately after engine shutdown. Use protective clothing or protective equipment o protect your skin.

WARNING: Personal injury can result from hot coolant, steam and alkali. At operating temperature, engine coolant is hot and under pressure. The radiator and all lines to heaters or the engine contain hot coolant or steam. Any contact can cause severe burns.

NOTICE: Do not change the coolant until you read and understand the cooling system information in Special Publication, SEBU6250, “Caterpillar Machine Fluids Recommendations”. Failure to do so could result in damage to the cooling system components.

NOTICE: Mixing ELC with other products will reduce the effectiveness of the coolant. This could result in damage to cooling system components.

Unlatch the engine hood and raise the engine hood.

Slowly loosen the pressure cap that is on the coolant reservoir to release pressure from the cooling system.

Inspect the o-ring of the cooling system pressure cap. If the o-ring is damaged, replace the pressure cap.

Open the rear access door on the left side of the machine.