Caterpillar 426 - General Maintenance

Air Conditioner - Test (If Equipped)

• Check the refrigerant before warm weather begins. Check the refrigerant when the system does not work properly.

• The system should be checked with pressure gauges by a qualified technician. Consult your Caterpillar dealer for proper installation when the system needs refrigerant.

• Operate the air conditioner at least monthly in order to lubricate the compressor seals. Set the controls on MAXIMUM for 15 minutes.

Battery - Recycle

• Always recycle a battery. Never discard a battery

• Always return used batteries to one of the following locations. • A battery supplier • An authorized battery collection facility • Recycling facility

Battery Electrolyte Level - Check

• Tighten the battery retainers on all of the machines.

• Tighten the battery retainers at every 1000 hours.

• Check the following items at every 1000 hours. If necessary, check the following items more often.

• Clean the top of the batteries with a clean cloth

• Clean the battery terminals. As needed, coat the battery terminals with petroleum jelly.

• Open the battery access cover that is located on the right side of the machine.

• 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 post with petroleum jelly.

• Inspect the electrolyte level in each battery cell. A maintenance free battery does not require inspection.

• Maintain the electrolyte level to the bottom of the filler openings. Use distilled water. If distilled water is not available, use clean drinking water.

• Close the battery access cover.

Battery or Battery Cable - Replace

• Turn the engine start switch to the OFF position. Turn all switches to the OFF position.

• Disconnect the negative battery cable from the frame.

• Note: Do not allow the disconnected battery cable to contact the frame of the machine.

• Disconnect the negative battery cable at the battery.

• Perform the necessary repairs. Replace the cable or the battery, as needed.

• Connect the negative battery cable at the battery

• Connect the battery cable to the frame of the machine.

• Install the engine start switch key.

Bucket Cutting Edges - Inspect/Replace

• Raise the bucket. Place a block under the bucket.

• Lower the bucket to the blocking.

• Do not block up the bucket too high. Block up the bucket so that the bucket is high enough to remove the cutting edges and the end bits.

• Remove the bolts. Remove the cutting edge and the end bits.

• Clean the contact surfaces.

• Use the opposite side of the cutting edge, if this side is not worn.

• Install a new cutting edge, if both edges are worn.

• Install the bolts. Tighten the bolts to the specified torque. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, “Torques for Ground Engaging Tool Bolts”.

• Raise the bucket. Remove the blocks.

• Lower the bucket to the ground.

• After a few hours of operation, check the bolts for proper torque.

Bucket Tips - Inspect/Replace

• Drive the pin out of the bucket tip from the retainer side of the bucket tip. Remove the bucket tip and the retainer.

• Clean the adapter, the pin, and the retainer. Replace any damaged parts. Install the retainer in the groove.

• The bucket tip should be installed over the retainer. Install the bucket tip in the runner position or in the digger position.

• Drive the pin through the retainer, through the adapter, and through the bucket tip from the side that is opposite the retainer.

Engine Air Filter Primary Element - Clean/Replace

• Remove the air cleaner housing cover (1).

• Remove the primary filter element (2) from the air cleaner housing.

• Clean the primary filter element.

• Install a clean filter element and install the cover.

• Tighten the cover screws finger tight. Do not use a tool to tighten the cover screws.

The filter elements can be cleaned by using the following methods:

• pressure air

• pressure water

• detergent washing

Engine Air Filter Secondary Element - Replace

• Pull the hood release lever (1) in order to open the engine access door (2) on the top of the machine.

• Remove the air cleaner housing cover

• Remove the primary filter element from the air cleaner housing.

• Remove the secondary filter element.

• Cover the air inlet opening. Clean the inside of the air cleaner housing.

• Inspect the gasket between the air inlet pipe and the air cleaner housing. Replace the gasket if the gasket is damaged.

• Uncover the air inlet opening. Install a new secondary element.

• Install the primary element and the air cleaner housing cover. Fasten the clips in order to secure the air cleaner housing cover.

• Reset the filter element indicator.

• Close the engine access door.

Fuel System - Prime

• Make sure the electrical stop control is connected. Turn the engine start switch key to the ON position.

• Operate the lever of the fuel lift pump slowly for approximately two minutes. If the drive cam of the fuel lift pump is at the point of maximum cam lift, the priming lever will not operate. In this situation, the crankshaft must be turned one revolution.

• Operate the starter motor until the engine starts. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, “Starting Above 0C (32F)” and Operation and Maintenance Manual, “Starting Below 0C (32F)”.

• Check for air in the fuel system if the engine runs roughly after the engine runs correctly for a short period of time. Check for air in the fuel system if the engine stops after the engine runs correctly for a short period of time. If there is air in the fuel system, check the low pressure fuel system for a leak. Correct the problem and repeat Step3 through Step4.

Fuses - Replace

• Replace the fuses with the same type and size only. Otherwise, electrical damage can result.

• If it is necessary to replace fuses frequently, an electrical problem may exist. Contact you Caterpillar dealer

• Remove the cover on the steering console in order to access the main fuse panel.

Oil Filter - Inspect

• Inspect A Used Filter for Debris

• If metals are found in the filter element, a magnet can be used to differentiate between ferrous metals and nonferrous metals.

Radiator Core - Clean

• You can use compressed air, high pressure water, or steam to remove dust and other debris from the radiator fins. However, the use of compressed air is preferred.

• If necessary, tilt the oil cooler away from the radiator in order to remove dust and debris between the radiator and the oil cooler

Window Wipers - Inspect/Replace

• Inspect the condition of the wiper blades.

• Replace the wiper blades if the wiper blades are worn or damaged.

• If the wiper blades streak the window, replace the wiper blades.