320E and 323E Excavators Engine Oil Level - Check Caterpillar

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

Note: This machine is equipped with both an automated function for checking fluid levels and a dipstick. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Monitoring System" regarding the automated system. If the machine is on an incline or the engine has been stopped only for a short time, the engine oil does not return to the crankcase and the fluid level cannot be properly checked by either method. Park the machine on level ground. The engine oil level can be checked after the engine has been stopped for at least 30 minutes.

Check the oil level while the engine is stopped. Do not check the oil level while the engine is running.

1. Open the engine hood.
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   Illustration 1	g02174532

2. Remove dipstick (1). Wipe the oil off the dipstick and reinsert the dipstick.
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   Illustration 2	g02153764

3. Remove the dipstick and check the dipstick. The oil level should be between the "L" mark and the "H" mark.
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   NOTICE
   Operating your engine when the oil level is above the "H" mark could cause the crankshaft to dip into the oil. This could lead to excessively high oil temperatures which can reduce the lubricating characteristics of the oil, lead to bearing damage, and could result in loss of engine power.

   Note: Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "General Hazard Information" for information on Containing Fluid Spillage.

4. Remove oil filler plug (2) in order to add oil, if necessary. See Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Lubricant Viscosities".

   Note: If the oil is deteriorated or badly contaminated, change the oil regardless of the maintenance interval.

5. Clean the oil filler plug. Install the oil filler plug.

6. Close the engine hood.