Global Manpower Development

324E/329E Hydraulic Excavator

Introduction
Text Reference

SERV1886

© 2011 Caterpillar Inc.

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SERV1886 - 06/11 -2- Introduction - Safety Briefing

• Safety Briefing
-- Emergency Phone Numbers
-- First Aid Responders
-- Location of Exits
-- Location of Fire Extinguisher
-- Room Alerts or Hazards
-- Designated Location for Evacuation
-- Storm Shelter

Safely Home. Everyone. Every Day.™

• Safety Briefing • Emergency Phone Numbers

• First Aid Responders
• Location of Exits
• Location of Fire Extinguisher
• Room Alerts or Hazards
• Designated Location for Evacuation
• Storm Shelter

Safely Home. Everyone. Every Day.™

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SERV1886 - 06/11
• 324E and 329E are direct
replacements for the 324D and
329D
• C7.1 ACERT with common rail
high pressure fuel system
• 324E engine produces 146 kW
net (195 net horsepower) at 1800
rpm
• 329E engine produces 172 kW
net (231 net horsepower) at 1800
rpm
• Meets US EPA Tier 4 Interim,
EU Stage IIIB, and MLIT Step 4
emissions standards
-3- Introduction
3_1
INTRODUCTION
This presentation discusses the major design features and changes and what is
new and different about the 324E and 329E Hydraulic Excavators as compared to
the previous 324D and 329D machines.
The 324E and 329E Hydraulic Excavators are direct replacements for the 324D
and 329D Hydraulic Excavators. The E-Series machines are similar in appearance
to the D-Series machines, but with a few changes to the styling lines and to the
boom and stick structures. Hand rails and guard rails on the upper structure have
improved the safety for technicians and maintenance mechanics. The E-Series
operator station and controls are also similar to those for the D-Series machine, but
with improvements to operator comfort.
The introduction of the new E-Series monitoring system has increased the level of
information to the operator and has improved the diagnostic and troubleshooting
tools available to the technician. Improved cab sealing and pressurization
have reduced in-cab sound levels by 4 dba, meeting the EU and MLIT sound
requirements. Vertical and horizontal visibility from the E-Series cab has also
improved, due to increased glass area all around and the skylight above. A rear-
view Work Area Vision System (WAVS) camera is now standard equipment on
these machines, with the ability to add two additional WAVS cameras. Any of the
three WAVS camera images can be displayed on the monitor’s color LCD screen.
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SERV1886 - 06/11 -4- Introduction

The 324E and the 329E Hydraulic Excavators are both powered by the C7.1
ACERT™ Tier 4 Interim electronic engine. The C7.1 engines are equipped with a
high pressure common rail fuel system, new high pressure fuel pump and fuel
injectors, a more efficient turbocharger, and an improved Air to Air AfterCooler
(ATAAC) intake air system. The engine is electronically controlled using a fuel
cooled A4E4 V3.1 Electronic Control Module (ECM). High idle (speed dial 10) is
now set at 1800 rpm and low idle (speed dial 1) is set at 900 rpm.

The C7.1 ACERT™ Tier 4 Interim engine is an in-line six-cylinder arrangement with
a displacement of 7.1 liters. Engine ratings are as follows:
• In the 324E, the C7.1 engine is rated at 146 kW net (195 net
horsepower) at 1800 rpm, which is a 5% increase in power from the
324D machine.
• In the 329E, the C7.1 engine is rated at 172 kW net (231 net
horsepower) at 1800 rpm, which is a 6% increase in power from the
329D machine.

Another new feature for the 324E and 329E is “Isochronous” pump and engine speed
control. Isochronous control considers hydraulic system pressures and the engine
speed so when a hydraulic pump load is applied to the engine, the engine maintains
the rpm associated with the speed dial setting. By maintaining engine rpm, fuel
consumption is improved.

The 324E and 329E are both equipped with an improved version of the Back-To-
Back (BTB) main hydraulic control valve, similar to the BTB valve introduced in the
336E Hydraulic Excavator. The BTB valve is a mono-block design that allows oil to
flow through the valve with less restrictions and reduces the number of hoses on
the machine, which helps increase fuel economy, due to a lighter pump load on the
engine when the machine is idle. The NFC Flow Limit PRVs are installed in the end
cover of the new valve and the boom regeneration PRV is now installed in the small
valve body that is bolted to the rear of the BTB valve.

The 324E serial number prefixes discussed in this presentation are:

• PNW, for the NACD marketing area
• TLF and LDG, for the EU marketing area
• JCZ, KTE, and NJC, for Japan

The 329E serial number prefixes discussed in this presentation are:

• PLW, for the NACD marketing area
• RLD and TST, for the EU marketing area
• PTY, RDX, and WJK, for Japan

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SERV1886 - 06/11 -5- Introduction

324E/329E vs 324D/329D - SIMILARITIES & DIFFERENCES

FEATURE SAME SIMILAR DIFFERENT

Machine Appearance

Operator’s Station

Engine/Emissions

Cooling System

Implement Hydraulic System

Monitoring System

Maintenance Items

Tool Control System

Machine ECM

Travel System

Undercarriage

Swing System
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The 324E and 329E Hydraulic Excavators are nearly identical in design and
operation. The chart above compares the 324E to the 324D Hydraulic Excavator
and also compares the 329E to the 329D Hydraulic Excavator. Brief descriptions
of the most significant similarities and differences between the D-Series and the
E-Series machines, their key features, systems, and major components follow:

• Machine Appearance: The trade dress for the 324E and the 329E
has been updated. New doors, latches, and hinge mechanisms give
the upper structure a sleek look. A new composite engine hood covers
the engine compartment and the Caterpillar Clean Emission Module
(CEM). Integrated hand rails and guard rails surround the upper service
platform, for safety. Improvements to the Rollover Protective Structure
(ROPS), extra mirrors, and a standard rearview WAVS camera enhance
operator visibility.

• Operator’s Station: A wider seat with adjustable lumbar support, seat

heating and cooling features, along with the ability to make adjustments
to console height provides a more comfortable operator’s station,
which helps reduce operator fatigue. Switches, buttons, and controls
have been upgraded and improved. Control levers and pedals have
been changed slightly for better machine controllability and ease of
operation. New secondary exit paths are now either through the front
glass or through the roof, depending on equipment and marketing area.
Improved cab sealing has lowered the in-cab decibel rating to 74 dBa.

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SERV1886 - 06/11 -6- Introduction

• Engine/Emissions: The C7.1 ACERT engine has increased the

horsepower rating of the 324E by 5% and the 329E, as compared
to the 324D and 329D. The C7.1 engine is capable of operating at
altitudes up to 2300 m (7550 ft.) with no derate. The new Caterpillar
Clean Emission Module (CEM) ensures compliance with the newest
worldwide emissions regulations. The C7.1 operates at a lower engine
rpm and new “isochronous” engine and pump control software results in
a smoother running engine with more power, yet it is more fuel efficient.
High idle on both machines is now 1800 rpm (engine speed dial 10) if
set to the High Power Mode. When set to the Standard or Economy
Power Modes, high idle on either machine is 1600 rpm.

• Cooling System: Improvements to the machine’s cooling system

include two side-by-side cooling cores for hydraulic oil and engine
coolant for the 48°C (118°F) standard ambient cooling package. The
Air To Air AfterCooler (ATAAC) is hinged at the top and can swing up
for easier cleaning of all cooler cores. A belt driven fan is standard
equipment and a variable speed, belt driven, viscous clutch fan is
available as an attachment.

• Implement Hydraulic System: A completely redesigned hydraulic

system, including the new, improved Back-To-Back (BTB) main
hydraulic control valve increases the hydraulic oil flow efficiency, which
improves fuel efficiency by 4%. The new valve design incorporates
the boom and stick regeneration valves on the main valve, which also
creates gains in fuel efficiency. Machine performance and hydraulic
lifting capacity have increased by 5%. New flow limit PRVs are installed
in the BTB valve end cover and are used to destroke the main pumps
when the NFC signal would upstroke them and oil flow demand is
low, which also helps to conserve fuel. Boom regeneration is now
electronically controlled.

• Monitoring System: The new E-Series monitor displays the standard

WAVS (Work Area Vision System) rear view camera and is capable
of displaying up to three camera images. The new monitor is easier
to use and displays detailed instructions for using all features. The
monitor provides fluid level checks upon start-up, lists upcoming service
intervals, and displays real-time fuel consumption. In addition, the
E-Series monitor has the ability to save ECM data to a portable USB
storage device using an integrated USB port.

• Maintenance Items: An electric fuel priming pump is now standard.

Three-step fuel filtering, using a 75-micron screen filter, a 10-micron
primary fuel filter, and a 4-micron secondary fuel filter delivers cleaner
fuel to the high pressure fuel system. New emissions regulations
require that the soot in the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) be “burned” at
certain intervals, and can be either automatically or manually initiated.
The new Caterpillar Clean Emissions Module (CEM) also contains
a spark plug that needs to be cleaned/replaced at regular intervals.
The air filter core is double-layered for more efficient filtration and two
styles of air filter pre-cleaners (integrated or external) are available.
An electronic dust indicator provides a warning on the monitor if the
air filter becomes plugged. The hydraulic system’s return oil capsule
filters are now integrated into the hydraulic oil tanks. Many of the
daily maintenance points have been relocated for “ground level”
serviceability.

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SERV1886 - 06/11 -7- Introduction

• Tool Control System: A redesigned tool control system is available

on the 324E and 329E Hydraulic Excavators, which allows numerous
configurations of high pressure, medium pressure, one-way flow, and
two-way flow. The tools can be set up, programmed, and operational
adjustments made easily using the new E-Series monitor.

• Machine ECM: The machine ECM has been upgraded to a B5M1 to

accommodate the increase in electronics on the machine.

• Travel System: The travel systems for the 324E and the 329E are
nearly identical to the D-Series machines. Improvements to the travel
pilot valves improves travel control and reduces the tendency to “hop”
on rough terrain. The travel motors have a few minor design changes
but operate identically.

• Undercarriage: Heavy duty track rollers are now standard. The forged
idlers and the press-fit master link joints improve the undercarriage
life. Like the 324E and 329E, three different types of undercarriage
arrangements are available - STD (Standard), L (Long), and LN (Long
Narrow).

• Swing System: The swing systems for the 324E and 329E are
somewhat similar to the D-Series machines. The swing priority strategy
is now electronically controlled. A new “Swing Relief Loss” electronic
strategy is used on the E-Series machines to decrease pump flow rate
during the start of swing, which reduces the initial load on the engine,
resulting in improved fuel economy.

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SERV1886 - 06/11 -8- Introduction

E-Series Hydraulic Excavator

Available Power Modes
E-Series N. America Europe Japan

Power
Mode HHP STD ECO HHP STD ECO HHP STD ECO

320 Default Option Option Default N/A Option Disabled* Default Option
320RR Default Option Option Default N/A Option Disabled* Default Option
323 - - - Default Option Option - - -
324 Default Option Option Default Option Option Disabled* Default Option
329 Default Option Option Default Option Option Disabled* Default Option
336 Default Option Option Default Option Option Disabled* Default Option
349 Default Option Option Default Option Option Disabled* Default Option

* Mode will be locked with a Factory Password

8_1
• Available engine Power Modes The chart above illustrates the available Power Modes for the Tier 4 Interim E-Series
for those regions requiring Tier 4 machines, according to region. Machines with Tier 4 Interim engines are not available
Interim engines. in those regions not listed above.

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SERV1886 - 06/11 -9- Introduction

9_1

MACHINE WALKAROUND

• Machine Walkaround The 324E and 329E Hydraulic Excavators have been designed for quick, easy
introduction service access with extended service intervals, advanced filtration, convenient filter
access, and user-friendly electronic diagnostics for increased productivity and
reduced maintenance costs. Most routine maintenance and service points have
been located for easy ground level access, when possible.

The hydraulic systems and component locations have been redesigned to provide a
high level of system efficiency. The main pumps, control valves, and hydraulic tank
are located close together to allow for shorter tubes and lines between components,
which reduces friction loss and pressure drops in the lines. This design reduces
engine compartment heat and sound being transmitted to the operator.

The location of major components and service points for the 324E and the 329E
are almost identical. The remaining pages in this module will identify the location of
most these major components and service points. More detailed identification of the
components, their sub-components and adjustment points, and their operation will
be discussed in the individual system modules.

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SERV1886 - 06/11 -10- Introduction

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Machine Left Side

• Machine left side - major The compartments and major components located on the left side of the machine are
component and compartment shown above and include:
identification
1. Bucket

2. Stick

3. Boom

4. Operator’s compartment

5. Battery and air filter compartment

6. Engine compartment

7. Radiator and cooler compartment

8. Counterweight

9. Cab fresh air filter compartment

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SERV1886 - 06/11 -11- Introduction

11_1
• Machine walkaround - The ground level engine shutdown switch (arrow) is located at the base of the
component identification operator’s seat, just inside the operator compartment door.

• Ground level engine shutdown Lifting the red protective cover and holding this momentary switch UP shuts down
switch the engine and all associated engine functions, including the regeneration cycle for
the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF).

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SERV1886 - 06/11 -12- Introduction

12_1
• Machine walkaround - The HVAC fresh air filter for the operator’s compartment (arrow) is located under the
component identification locking door, just to the rear of the operator compartment door.

• Cab fresh air filter

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SERV1886 - 06/11 -13- Introduction

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Battery and Air Filter Compartment

• Machine walkaround - battery The battery and air filter compartment is immediately to the rear of the cab, on the
and air filter compartment left side of the machine. Service points and components located here are:
component identification
1. Engine intake air filter

2. Batteries

3. Air conditioning condenser

4. Electrical circuit breaker box

5. Vandalism guards storage

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SERV1886 - 06/11
• Machine walkaround - battery
and air filter compartment
component identification
-14- Introduction
14_1
If equipped, the jump-start connector (arrow) is mounted to the forward door post of
the battery and air filter compartment.
NOTE: The white, outlined arrow at the bottom of this, and subsequent photos,
points toward the front of the machine.
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SERV1886 - 06/11 -15- Introduction

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• Machine walkaround - battery The air conditioning dryer bottle (1) is mounted to the back wall of the battery and air
and air filter compartment filter compartment, above the air conditioning condenser (2). Air is drawn through
component identification the condenser fins by an electric fan that is mounted behind the condenser.

The air filter restriction pressure sensor (3) and the charge air temperature sensor
(4) are installed in the intake air tube (5) that connects the air filter canister with the
air inlet of the turbocharger.

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SERV1886 - 06/11 -16- Introduction

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Radiator and Cooler Compartment

• Machine walkaround - radiator The radiator and cooler compartment is located at the left rear corner of the machine.
and cooler compartment Opening the compartment door gains access to the following components and
component identification service points:

1. Air To Air AfterCooler (ATAAC)

2. Radiator

3. Hydraulic oil cooler

4. Fuel cooler

5. Main machine electrical disconnect

6. Windshield washer fluid reservoir

7. 10-micron secondary fuel filter

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SERV1886 - 06/11 -17- Introduction

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• Machine walkaround - radiator
and cooler compartment
component identification
17_1
The Air To Air AfterCooler is hinged at the top. Rotating the black locking knobs (1)
and (2), allows the ATAAC to be tilted up to assist in cleaning all cooler cores. The
ATAAC uses a gas filled strut to hold the ATAAC core in the tilted position when
released.

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SERV1886 - 06/11 -18- Introduction

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• Machine walkaround - radiator Other components located at the rear and the bottom of the radiator and cooler
and cooler compartment compartment are:
component identification
1. Ether start aid and solenoid, if equipped

2. 10-micron secondary fuel filter

3. Radiator coolant S•O•S port

4. Radiator drain valve

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SERV1886 - 06/11
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• Machine walkaround - radiator
and cooler compartment
component identification
-19- Introduction
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Also located in the radiator and cooler compartment are main electrical disconnect
switch (1) and the windshield washer fluid reservoir (2).
The windshield washer fluid reservoir contains two windshield washer pumps (3) that
are integrated into the reservoir.
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20_1
• Rear of machine - component Components located at the rear of the machine are:
identification:
1. WAVS (Work Area Vision System) rear view camera (standard)

2. Counterweight lifting links (recessed in top surface)

3. Removable counterweight

NOTE: The lifting links for the counterweight are now recessed in the top of the
counterweight and are not to be used to lift the machine. These links are designed
for lifting the counterweight only. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance
Manuals (OMMs) for information on how to lift the machine (SEBU8575 for the
324E and SEBU8576 for the 329E).

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SERV1886 - 06/11 -21- Introduction

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Under Carbody Service Access

• Service access openings Beneath the carbody (upper structure) are several panels that may be removed to
identification - under carbody access various components and service points. Removing these panels gains
(upper structure) access to the following service access openings and components:

1. Radiator bottom - front of engine

2. Implement pilot resolver block and pilot distribution/drain manifold (rear

access panel beneath the cab)

3. Travel control pilot valves, travel pilot logic valve, and pattern change
valve access (forward access panel beneath the cab)

4. Pilot manifold and pilot accumulator

5. Lower engine service points, starter, engine oil pan and drain valve

6. Hydraulic oil tank bottom and drain valve

7. Lower pump compartment service points

8. Left and right travel motors and their associated components and
service points

The next few pages will identify the specific service points and components that may
be accessed through each opening.

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SERV1886 - 06/11
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• Forward service access opening
beneath the cab (left front of
the machine) - component
identification
-22- Introduction
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The forward access opening beneath the cab (at the left front of the machine) gains
access to the following service points and major components:
1. Left and right travel pedal/lever pilot valve
2. Straight travel pedal pilot valve (if equipped)
3. Travel pilot logic valve
4. Pattern change valve
5. Electronic attachment control pedal (if equipped)
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SERV1886 - 06/11
• Rearward service access
opening beneath the cab
(left front of the machine) -
component identification
-23- Introduction
23_1
The rearward access opening beneath the cab (at the left front of the machine) gains
access to the following service points and major components:
1. Pilot distribution and drain manifold
2. Implement pilot resolver block, with associated control pressure sensors
and switches
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SERV1886 - 06/11
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• Rearmost center service access
opening beneath the carbody
(upper structure) - lower
engine access and component
identification
-24- Introduction
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The rearmost center access opening beneath the carbody gains access to the
following lower engine service points and components:
1. Starter
2. Engine oil ecology drain valve
3. Engine oil pan
4. Engine oil Quick Evac hose (leading to the connector located in the
pump compartment)
5. Open Crankcase Ventilation (OCV) fumes canister vent hose
6. Engine ECM
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• Center service access opening
beneath the carbody (upper
structure) to the rear of the swing
bearing - pilot manifold and
related components identification
-25- Introduction
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25_1
The center service access opening beneath the carbody, just rearward of the swing
bearing, gains access to the following service points and components:
1. Pilot manifold
2. Pilot accumulator
3. Main relief valve (hydraulic system)
4. Hydraulic activation (lock) solenoid valve
5. Hydraulic activation (lock) valve
6. Swing brake solenoid valve
7. Two-speed travel solenoid valve
8. Boom-down and stick-in limit solenoids (if equipped with certain tool
control attachments)
NOTE: The main hydraulic relief valve is installed in the bottom of the main
hydraulic control valve, which is directly above the pilot manifold.
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SERV1886 - 06/11
• Forward service access opening
on the right side of the carbody
(upper structure) - component
identification beneath the
hydraulic oil tank
-26- Introduction
1 26_1
The forward access opening right side of the carbody gains access to the following
service points and components beneath the hydraulic oil tank:
1. Main hydraulic suction tube
2. Hydraulic oil tank ecology drain valve
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• Travel motor assembly service
access opening (left track) -
component identification beneath
the hydraulic oil tank
-27- Introduction
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27_1
Removing the sheet metal access plate at the inside and the rear of the track roller
frame gains access to the following components and service points:
1. Travel motor assembly (left travel motor assembly shown above)
2. Crossover relief valves
3. Check valves
4. Counterbalance valve
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Machine Right Side

• Machine right side component Compartments and major components located on the right side of the machine
and compartment identification include:

1. Pump compartment

2. Hydraulic oil tank with integrated return oil filter

3. Fuel tank

4. Tool storage compartment

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SERV1886 - 06/11 -29- Introduction

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Pump Compartment

• Component location and The pump compartment contains the following components and service points:
identification - overall pump
compartment 1. High speed oil change (Quick-Evac) connector - hydraulic oil

2. High speed oil change (Quick-Evac) connector - engine oil

3. Primary fuel filter and water separator

4. Pilot pump

5. Power Shift Proportional Reducing Valve (PSPRV)

6. Drive pump

7. Idler pump

8. Medium pressure pump (if equipped)

9. Case drain filter

10. Pilot oil filter

11. Proportional Reducing Valve (PRV) manifold and the four associated
solenoids and pressure test ports for attachment control

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• Component location and
identification - rear of pump
compartment
-30- Introduction
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Major components and service points located at the rear of the pump compartment
are:
1. In-line 75-micron screen-type fuel filter
2. Primary fuel filter and water separator
3. Aftertreatment Regeneration Device (ARD) electric fuel pump
4. Engine Oil S•O•S test port
5. Engine oil filter
6. Electric fuel priming pump
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• Component location and Major components and service points located at the front of the pump compartment
identification - front of pump are:
compartment
1. Hydraulic oil tank sight glass (level gauge)

2. Drain lines

3. Hydraulic oil temperature sensor

4. Return oil tube (from main control valve/cooler to return oil filter)

5. Return oil filter restriction switch (filter plugged switch)

6. Spin-on type pilot oil filter

7. Spin-on type case drain oil filter

8. Hydraulic oil S•O•S test port

9. Pilot pressure relief valve

10. Pilot oil pressure test port

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1 2

• Component location and
identification - beneath door
opening
32_1
Major components and service points located in the pump compartment, immediately
beneath the compartment door opening are:
1. Fuel tank drain valve

2. Fuel shutoff valve (from tank to priming pump)

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33_1

Top of Carbody

1. Storage (tool) box location - The storage (tool) box (1) is located at the right front corner of the machine. A
right front corner of machine. number of attachments can be located inside this storage compartment.

2. New handrails and guardrails New handrails and guardrails (2) have been added to the upper structure and
are standard equipment are standard equipment. The railings provide a safer path to and from the top of
the carbody, as well as creating a safer working environment for the technician or
mechanic when performing service procedures from on top of the machine.

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• Storage (tool) box location - right
front corner of machine. Fuel
transfer pump option shown
installed. Components identified
here are:
1. Fuel hose (reel)
2. OFF button
3. ON button
4. Electric fuel transfer pump
A fuel transfer pump (shown above) is an attachment that can be housed in the
storage compartment as an aid to refueling the machine.
The hose (1) can be unreeled and placed in a fuel drum, or other container. When
the ON button (3) is pressed, the electric fuel transfer pump (4) draws fuel through the
hose and directly fills the fuel tank (immediately to the rear of this compartment).
Fuel transfer is stopped automatically when the fuel level switch in the fuel tank
indicates that the fuel tank is full. Fuel transfer can also be stopped manually when
the OFF button (2) is pressed.
A screen (5) is installed at the suction inlet of the refueling hose, which prevents large
contaminate particles from being drawn into the fuel tank.

5. Screen

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• Fuel tank and related
components - location and
identification:
1. Fuel tank
2. Storage compartment/tool box
3. Fuel filler tube
4. Fuel level switch (present
only if refueling attachment is
installed)
-35- Introduction
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The fuel tank (1) is situated directly to the rear of the storage compartment/tool box
(2), on the right side of the machine.
The fuel filler tube (3) is equipped with a locking cap. A screen (not pictured) is
installed in the tube (beneath the cap) which prevents large contaminants from
entering the fuel tank.
A fuel level switch (4) will be installed at the top rear of the fuel tank if the refueling
attachment is installed in the storage/tool box (shown earlier).
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• Hydraulic oil tank and related
components - location and
identification
36_1
Immediately to the rear of the fuel tank and forward of the pump compartment is the
hydraulic oil tank (1). Hydraulic oil tank components shown here are:
2. Locking hydraulic oil tank filler tube cap

3. Main hydraulic oil suction screen access cover

4. Capsule-type hydraulic return oil filter (integrated into the tank)

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37_1

• Capsule-type hydraulic return
oil filter access (1) and hydraulic
tank main suction screen access
(2)
37_2
The images above illustrate the ease of service access for the capsule-type hydraulic
return oil filter (1) and the hydraulic oil tank main suction screen (2).

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SERV1886 - 06/11
• Component location on top of
the carbody, to the rear of the
boom foot:
1. Fuel level sensor
2. Hydraulic oil level switch
3. RF soot monitor
4. Main hydraulic control valve
5. Electric air-conditioning
condenser fan
6. Swing motor assembly
-38- Introduction
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38_1
A float-type fuel level sensor (1) is installed in the inner wall of the fuel tank. This
sensor provides the information for the fuel level display in the monitor.
A float-type hydraulic oil level switch (2) is installed in the inner wall of the hydraulic
oil tank.
The RF soot monitor (3) is also mounted to the inner wall of the hydraulic oil tank.
(The soot monitor location may change to the battery and air filter compartment.)
The new Back-To-Back main hydraulic control valve (4) is located directly forward of
the engine compartment and to the rear of the swing motor assembly (6).
The electric air-conditioning condenser fan (5) is mounted to the inner wall of the
battery and air filter compartment (shown earlier), immediately to the rear of the
operator’s compartment.
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• Additional components located
on top of the carbody and to the
rear of the boom foot:
1. Return oil manifold
2. Hydraulic oil cooler supply and
return oil tubes
3. Boom priority valve
4. NFC flow limit PRVs
5. Valve end cover
6. NFC flow limit (signal) pressure
sensors
-39- Introduction
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The return oil manifold (1) is installed on the back of the main hydraulic control valve.
The steel tubes (2) direct the return hydraulic oil to the hydraulic oil cooler and then
to the return oil filter.
The boom priority valve (3) is mounted to a bracket at the left of the main hydraulic
control valve. If the machine is equipped with the heavy lift feature, the solenoid
valve is bolted to the same bracket.
The new Back-To-Back (BTB) main hydraulic control valve was first introduced on
the 336E Hydraulic Excavator. The 324E and 329E are equipped with an improved
version of the BTB valve. The NFC flow limit PRVs (4) and pressure sensors (6) are
now installed in the valve end cover (5). This improvement eliminated the remote
manifold and associated hydraulic hoses for this feature.
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• Additional main hydraulic control Other major components located on the new BTB main hydraulic control valve are:
valve components
1. Stick drift reduction valve

2. Boom drift reduction valve

3. Main hydraulic relief valve

NOTE: If the machine is equipped with the heavy lift feature, a small hydraulic
line from the heavy lift solenoid will be connected to the end of the main hydraulic
relief valve.

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• Swing drive component The swing drive assembly (1) is located immediately forward of the BTB main
identification hydraulic control valve and rearward of the boom foot. Swing drive assembly
components identified in the photo above are:

2. Anti-reaction (cushion) valves, installed beneath the inlet manifold

3. Case drain oil line from the swivel (travel motors), which combines with the
case drain oil from the swing motor

4. Swing drive breather

5. Makeup oil line for swing motor operation

6. Swing motor relief valves

7. Swing drive lube oil level gauge (dipstick)

8. High pressure hydraulic oil supply lines for swing motor operation, which
are connected to the swing motor inlet manifold

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• Swivel component identification:
1. Swivel
2. High pressure supply and
return oil lines to/from the travel
motors
3. Case drain oil line
4. Pilot supply to travel motors’
change displacement valves
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The swivel (01) is the rotary hydraulic connection between the main hydraulic control
valve and the travel motors.
High pressure supply oil and return oil to and from the travel motors and main
hydraulic control valve is directed into and through the swivel via the four high
pressure supply hoses (2).
Pilot supply oil to the travel motor change displacement valves (4) and case drain oil
from both travel motors (3) is also directed through the swivel.
The swivel allows the upper structure to rotate about the undercarriage, maintaining
the connections for the oil in each circuit.
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Engine Compartment

• Engine compartment component The engine compartment is located at the rear of the upper structure. Releasing the
location and identification three latches and raising the hood gains access to the engine compartment. Major
components and service points located here are:

1. Coolant expansion tank

2. C7.1 ACERT Tier 4 Interim engine

3. Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and the Caterpillar Clean Emissions

Module (CEM)

The hood prop (4) has been redesigned to allow for multiple hood positions. The
hood can be raised almost completely vertical for easy access to engine components
and service points.

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• Engine compartment component The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) (1) rests in a cradle. There is no muffler required
location and identification: after the DPF.

1. Diesel Particulate Filter The Caterpillar Clean Emissions Module (CEM) (2) is easily accessible for performing
service procedures.
2. Caterpillar Clean Emissions
Module

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• C7.1 ACERT Tier 4 Interim engine
mjor components and service
points accessible from the top of
the engine:
1. Engine oil fill cap
2. Engine oil level gauge (dipstick)
3. Air conditioning compressor
(alternator located beneath)
4. Two turbochargers, arranged in
series
5. Balance valve actuator
6. Engine crankcase breather
7. Open Crankcase Ventilation
(OCV) filter
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The top of the C7.1 ACERT Tier 4 Interim engine is accessible by raising the hood
on the engine compartment. Engine oil is added through the engine oil fill cap (1), at
the top left of the valve cover. Engine oil level can be checked using the engine oil
level gauge (dipstick) (2), at the front left of the engine.
The air conditioning compressor (3) is belt driven and located at the right front
corner of the engine. The alternator (not visible) is located directly beneath the
compressor.
The two turbochargers (4) are arranged in series and are controlled by the balance
valve actuator (5).
Fumes and oil vapor from the engine crankcase exit the engine through the breather
(6) and are directed to the Open Crankcase Ventilation (OCV) filter (7). The OCV
filter separates the oil mist from the fumes and directs the oil back into the engine oil
pan. The fumes are allowed to escape into the atmosphere.
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• Coolant shunt tank location and
identification of components:
1. Coolant shunt tank
2. Radiator (top)
3. Coolant level switch
4. Coolant fill cap
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The coolant shunt tank (1) is located above the radiator (2), at the far left side of the
engine compartment. Coolant is added through the fill cap (4).
The tank is marked with “Full Hot” and “Full Cold” level markings. A “normally open”
coolant level switch (3) is installed in the bottom of the shunt tank. The switch is held
CLOSED when the coolant level is sufficient. If the level of the coolant falls below the
LOW mark, the switch state changes to OPEN and the monitor will warn the operator
of a “Low Coolant Level.”
The level of coolant in the tank should always be checked daily and maintained
between the two level marks (“Full Cold” and “Full Hot”).
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• Variable speed viscous clutch A belt driven fan is standard equipment on the 324E and 329E Hydraulic Excavators.
fan (attachment) A variable speed viscous clutch fan (arrow) is available as an attachment.

• Belt driven fan is standard The hydraulic demand fan and the reversing fan features have been eliminated for
equipment these two machines.

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This concludes the Introduction and Machine Walkaround module for the 324E and
329E Hydraulic Excavators.

When used in conjunction with the Operation and Maintenance Manual (OMM) and
other service information, the operator and the service technician will be able to
locate and identify the major components of these two Hydraulic Excavators.

More detailed information regarding individual systems, their components and

sub-components, and the operational strategies for each system are available in
subsequent modules of this training package.

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