CAT 314E Engine Oil Change & Other Routine Maintenance Tasks – Part 4

Written by Luis Montes Updated On  April 30, 2025

In the previous post, we showed you how to properly adjust the track tension on the CAT 314E, a common feature that applies to most makes and models.

Next, we’ll focus on changing the engine air filter on the CAT 314E excavator.

We also have a video version on the Tekamo HD YouTube channel. Check it out.

If you don’t have the time to perform the service yourself or want to enroll in a preventative maintenance program for your heavy equipment, contact Tekamo HD to schedule a heavy-duty mechanic.

Change the Primary and Secondary Air Filters

The engine air filters are inside a cylindrical canister in the rear left compartment.

Unbuckle the three clips holding the cap and pop it off to access the filters. Some machines will include a wing nut.

Like most makes and models (Yanmar C50R-3C, Komatsu PC200LC, John Deere 85G), the CAT 314E features two air filters. A primary or outside filter and an inner/secondary filter, also known as a safety filter. Wiggle and twist the primary filter to take it off.

Since you’ll have to wipe out the canister, leave the secondary filter in to ensure no dirty air enters the system.

Once you clean the canister, pull the secondary filter out. On the CAT 314E, the inner air filter is inside another canister.

Oil helps trap fine dust particles by adhering them to the foam’s surface. It’s best to replace the filters rather than washing them out and re-oiling.

Keith, the expert technician who serviced the equipment, told us that some secondary filters come with a thin layer of oil on them. So, instead of looking dusty, the old secondary filter appears to have wet dirt on it.

Filter designs vary. Focus on the open-end seals. The diameters must match. Otherwise, contaminated air will get into the engine, causing damage.

You’ll recognize a poor-quality filter if it floats and moves around when entering the canister. You should feel pressure as you put in the new filter, which means it seals properly.

For the new primary filter, do the same checks against the old one: their lengths must match, as well as the geometry and diameter of the open end.

Clean the dust off the cap, reinstall it, and then check the dust valve at the bottom of the cap.

Pull it out, give it a bang, and make sure there aren’t tree needles or leaves plugging it.

Fortis HD has the tools to efficiently service any type of heavy equipment. Our mechanics rigorously test every product in the field.

Visit our tools section to purchase the highest quality heavy-duty tools in the industry.

How Do You Determine the Correct Air Filters for Your Machine?

For CAT 314E owners, we have already shared the OEM numbers in the pictures above:

• Outer filter: 357-5142.
  
• Inner filter: 357-5143.

For other makes and models, you can ask the manufacturer based on the machine model or check the end of the filter. The numbers will be there.

There are several high-quality aftermarket filters. Since many aftermarket product companies cross-reference the OEM numbers on their products, we always check the filter’s length, diameter, and seal geometry.

Next Post

In our next post, we’ll cover how to check and change the final drive oil on the CAT 314E excavator.

Check the Fortis HD blog section for more excavator service interval guides and reviews on popular heavy equipment and heavy-duty tools.