Heavy Duty Mechanic: How To Change The CAT 314 Air Filter

Changing the air filter on a CAT 314 helps to prevent dust and dirt from getting into your machine’s systems. To purchase new air filters, you can buy them directly from the manufacturer of the make and model of the excavator or purchase aftermarket parts. If you decide to get an aftermarket filter, you will need to know which filter to buy. You can find the part number on the filter itself so you can purchase the right one. Here are steps to replacing the excavator air filter.

On the CAT 314, you will find the air filter behind the cab right behind the door. Every machine is different. Some have two air filters while other equipment has only one. The CAT 314 has one filter in the housing.

The air filter housing cap has three clips. You’ll need to buckle all three clips to remove the cap to reach the air filter.

On some machines, the filter may have a wingnut in the middle. You would unscrew the wingnut to take out the filter. The CAT 314, does not have a wingnut. Wiggle and twist the filter to help pull it out.

Once you take out the outer air filter, there will be an inner safety filter still inside the machine. Leave it in place while cleaning out the dust inside as the filter will catch it. This filter will prevent contaminates from getting deeper into the machine. Once you have wiped the housing clean of dirt, pull out the secondary filter.

Take the new inner filter and compare it to the old filter to ensure it has the same size opening so it can fit into the machine and seal completely. Place a little bit of pressure on the safety filter so it attaches to the machine. Take the outer filter and push it inside.

Clean dirt and grime from the inside of the cap. Reinstall the cap and latch on the three buckles. Pull off the one-way check valve and bang the dirt and dust out. Then place the one-way valve check back onto the cap.