You can change the fuel tank on your Bobcat 331 excavator if you do it the right way. First, collect all Bobcat 331 excavator fuel tank parts and get your basic tools. Always drain the tank before you start so you do not spill fuel or have accidents. Take time to put on safety gear and work where there is fresh air. For clear steps, look at your service manual before you begin.
Key Takeaways
Get all the parts and tools you need before you start. This helps you not make mistakes and makes the work easier.
Always put safety first by wearing safety gear and working where air moves well. This lowers the chance of accidents when you work with fuel.
Follow simple steps to drain the fuel tank and take off the lines. Doing things the right way stops spills and makes replacing the tank easier.
After you put in the new tank, look for leaks and test the fuel system. Finding problems early can stop bigger issues later.
Use good parts from YNF Machinery for repairs you can trust. Good parts help your excavator work well and stay safe.
Bobcat 331 excavator fuel tank parts checklist
Required parts
You need to gather all the bobcat 331 excavator fuel tank parts before you start. This makes your job easier and helps you avoid mistakes. The main parts include the fuel tank, fuel filter, supply line, and fittings. You also need clamps and a fuel screen pickup tube. YNF Machinery supplies all these parts for your Bobcat 331 excavator.
Here is a table showing some important part numbers and descriptions:
Part Number | Description |
|---|---|
511920001 | Fuel System & Tanks – Excavators Bobcat 331 |
234311001 | Fuel System – Excavators Bobcat 331 |
30***57 | Clamp |
72***09 | Kit Fuel Screen Pickup Tube |
You should check your service manual for the exact parts you need for your machine.
Tools needed
You need basic tools to replace bobcat 331 excavator fuel tank parts. Most jobs require:
Wrenches (metric and standard sizes)
Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips)
Pliers
Fuel line disconnect tool
Clean rags
Tip: Keep your tools organized in a tray. This helps you find what you need quickly and keeps your workspace safe.
Safety gear
Safety comes first when you work with fuel systems. You should wear:
Safety glasses to protect your eyes
Nitrile gloves to keep fuel off your skin
Long sleeves and pants
A mask if you work in a closed area
You should always drain water and sediment from the fuel tank after every 50 hours of machine use. This keeps your bobcat 331 excavator fuel tank parts working well and helps prevent problems.
Removal steps
Accessing the tank
You need to reach the fuel tank before you can remove it. Start by turning off the excavator and disconnecting the battery. This keeps you safe from electrical hazards. If your Bobcat 331 has an open cab, remove the seat base and floor panels. You will see the tank access plate underneath. For models with a bed lift, lift and secure the cab following the operator’s manual. Always keep your tools close and organized.
Here is a simple list to help you access the tank:
Remove the seat and floor plate to expose the fuel tank.
Clean the area around the tank to prevent dirt from entering the system.
Locate the fuel lines and electrical connectors attached to the tank.
Tip: Take a photo of the connections before you disconnect anything. This helps you remember where each part goes during reassembly.
Draining fuel
Draining the fuel tank is a key safety step. You must do this to avoid spills and fire hazards. Use a clean container to catch the fuel. Make sure you work in a well-ventilated area. Wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself.
Open the drain plug or use a siphon pump to remove fuel from the tank.
Drain water traps and separators to keep water out of the system.
Inspect the fuel for rust, sludge, or microbial growth. If you see any, clean the tank before installing new bobcat 331 excavator fuel tank parts.
Note: Dispose of old fuel and water properly. Do not pour them on the ground or into drains. Take them to a recycling center or hazardous waste facility.
Disconnecting lines
After draining the tank, you need to disconnect the fuel lines and electrical connectors. Use pliers or a fuel line disconnect tool. Work slowly and gently to avoid damaging the fittings.
Loosen the clamps on the supply line and return line.
Pull the lines off their fittings. If they stick, twist them gently.
Unplug the electrical connector from the fuel pump.
Remove any mounting bolts or rings holding the tank in place.
Safety Alert: Fuel lines may still have a small amount of fuel inside. Keep a rag handy to catch drips. Always check for leaks before moving the tank.
Once you finish these steps, you can lift the old tank out of the excavator. Inspect the area for dirt or damage before installing new parts. YNF Machinery supplies all the bobcat 331 excavator fuel tank parts you need for this job.
Installation steps
Positioning the new tank
You need to place the new fuel tank in the excavator. Lift the tank carefully and set it in the same spot as the old one. Make sure the tank sits flat and lines up with the mounting holes. Use the bolts or rings you removed earlier to secure the tank. Tighten each bolt by hand first, then use a wrench to finish. Do not over-tighten, as this can damage the tank or mounting points.
Tip: Double-check that the tank is stable and does not move. A loose tank can cause leaks or damage during operation.
Connecting hoses and fittings
Next, attach the fuel lines and fittings to the new tank. Start with the supply line and return line. Slide each hose onto its fitting and secure it with a clamp. Use pliers to tighten the clamps, but do not crush the hoses. Connect the electrical plug to the fuel pump. Make sure each connection matches the photo you took earlier.
Inspect each hose for cracks or wear before connecting.
Replace any damaged clamps or fittings.
Wipe away any spilled fuel with a clean rag.
Safety Alert: Always check for leaks after connecting the hoses. Even a small drip can lead to bigger problems later.
Installing the fuel filter
You must install the fuel filter to keep your bobcat 331 excavator fuel tank parts working well. Follow these steps for a smooth installation:
Remove the old filter from the left side of the engine bay. Use pliers to loosen and unthread it. Place a catch canister under the filter to collect any fuel.
Compare the new filter with the old one. Check that they match in length, diameter, and seal size.
Fill the new filter with clean fuel if you want faster priming. Thread the new filter onto the mount by hand. Tighten it firmly, but do not use tools. Hand-tightening protects the threads and seals.
Turn the key to the ON position. Let the excavator prime itself. Start the engine. If the engine sputters, keep the key on to push fuel through the system.
Note: Removing air from the fuel system helps the engine run smoothly. If you hear sputtering or see bubbles, keep the key on until the engine runs steady.
YNF Machinery supplies all the bobcat 331 excavator fuel tank parts you need for this job. You can trust their parts to fit and work well.
Testing and troubleshooting
Leak check
After you install the new fuel tank, you need to check for leaks. Start by inspecting every hose and fitting. Look for wet spots or drips around the clamps and connections. Use a clean rag to wipe each area. If you see fuel, tighten the clamp or fitting. You can also place a piece of cardboard under the tank. Wait a few minutes. If you see a spot on the cardboard, you have a leak.
Tip: Always check for leaks before you start the engine. Even a small leak can cause safety problems.
System test
You need to test the fuel system before you use the excavator. Turn the key to the ON position. Listen for the fuel pump. If you hear it, the system is working. Start the engine. Watch for smooth running. If the engine sputters or stalls, check the fuel filter and lines. Make sure you removed all air from the system. If you changed the filter, fill it with clean fuel before installing. This helps the engine start faster.
Watch for smoke from the exhaust when cranking. Smoke means fuel is present but not firing.
If you do not see smoke, check the fuel solenoid circuit and fuel delivery.
Make sure all electrical connections are tight.
Note: If the engine does not start, check for air in the system. Bleed the filter and lines until you see steady fuel flow.
Common issues
You may face some common problems after replacing the tank. Here are quick solutions:
Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
Engine does not start | Check fuel solenoid circuit and connections. |
Air in fuel system | Bleed filter and lines until fuel flows. |
Leaks at fittings | Tighten clamps and replace damaged hoses. |
Sputtering engine | Fill filter with clean fuel and re-prime. |
If you follow these steps, you can fix most beginner mistakes. Always use quality parts from YNF Machinery for best results. If you have trouble, check your service manual or ask a professional for help.
You can change the fuel tank on your Bobcat 331 excavator. Make sure you check every connection before you finish. Always follow safety steps to stay safe. After you put in the new tank, look at hoses and fittings for leaks. Clean up any spills you see right away. Use cleaning products that do not catch fire. Your operator manual and parts diagrams can help you. Go slowly and do each step carefully. If you are not sure, ask a professional for help. YNF Machinery gives you good parts for your Bobcat 331.
Look at tubes, hoses, and fittings for leaks or damage
Do not use open flames when you check for leaks
Clean up spills as soon as you see them
Use manuals and diagrams to help with maintenance
Check joystick parts often to keep things safe
FAQ
How often should you check your Bobcat 331 fuel tank for leaks?
You should check your fuel tank for leaks every time you perform maintenance. Look for wet spots or fuel smells. Early checks help you avoid bigger problems.
What should you do if you find rust inside the fuel tank?
Remove the tank and clean it with a fuel-safe cleaner. If the rust is severe, replace the tank. YNF Machinery offers quality replacement tanks for your Bobcat 331.
Can you reuse old fuel lines and clamps?
You should inspect old fuel lines and clamps for cracks or wear. Replace any damaged parts. Using new parts from YNF Machinery ensures a safer and longer-lasting repair.
Why does your engine sputter after changing the fuel tank?
Air may be trapped in the fuel system. Bleed the lines and filter until you see steady fuel flow. Fill the filter with clean fuel before installing it.
Where can you buy genuine Bobcat 331 fuel tank parts?
You can buy genuine Bobcat 331 fuel tank parts from YNF Machinery. They supply reliable parts that fit your machine and help you complete repairs with confidence.
