320E and 323E Excavators Engine Oil and Filter - Change Caterpillar

Selection of the Oil Change Interval

Note: Customers with a fuel burn average of 11.3 L (3 US gal) per hour or less may extend engine oil and filter interval from 500 hours to 1000 hours when utilizing Cat^® fluids, filters and S·O·S Services.Required oil sampling interval is every 250 hours.Initial engine oil and filter change at 500 hours is required for engine break-in.

Procedure for Changing Engine Oil and Filter

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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: If the sulfur content in the fuel is greater than 1.5 percent by weight, use an oil that has a TBN of 30 and reduce the oil change interval by one-half.

Note: Drain the crankcase while the oil is warm. Warm oil allows waste particles that are suspended in the oil to drain. As the oil cools, the waste particles will settle to the bottom of the crankcase. The particles will not be removed by draining the oil and the particles will recirculate in the engine lubrication system with the new oil.

Note: Run the engine at low idle for at least 10 minutes before performing any operations after the engine oil and oil filter are changed to protect the engine. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Engine and Machine Warm-Up".

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The drain valve for the engine crankcase oil is located under the rear of the upper structure.

1. Park the machine on a level surface. Stop the engine.

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

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2. Open the crankcase drain valve (1). Allow the oil to drain into a suitable container.

   Note: Discard any drained fluids according to local regulations.

3. Close the drain valve.

4. Open the access door at the right side of the machine.
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5. Loosen drain valve (2) and allow the oil to drain out of the housing.

6. After all the oil has been removed, tighten the drain.
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7. Remove the oil filter housing. See Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Oil Filter - Inspect". Dispose of the used filter according to local regulations.
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8. Remove the filter from the housing.

9. Clean the filter housing and the base.

10. Install the new filter element into the housing.

11. Apply a thin coat of engine oil to the gasket of the filter.

12. Install the engine oil filter by hand until the filter housing contacts the base.

13. Close the access door.

14. Unlatch the engine hood and raise the engine hood.
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15. Remove the oil filler plug . Fill the crankcase with new oil. See Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Capacities (Refill)". Clean the oil filler plug and install the oil filler plug.
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    NOTICE
    Do not under fill or overfill engine crankcase with oil. Either condition can cause engine damage.

16. Start the engine and allow the oil to warm. Check the engine for leaks. Stop the engine.
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17. Wait for 30 minutes to allow the oil to drain back into the crankcase. Check the oil level with the dipstick. Maintain the oil between the "L" and "H" marks on the dipstick. If necessary, add oil.

18. Close the engine hood and latch the engine hood.

Fast Fill

If your machine is equipped with a deluxe service center, you may drain the engine oil through the fast fill port. You may also add the engine oil through a fast fill port.

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

2. Remove the dust cover (3).

3. Attach the hose to the coupling.

4. Drain the oil or add the oil, as needed.