Fuel Filter / Water Separator Element 523-4987 for Caterpillar Excavators
523-4987 fuel filter/water separator for Caterpillar E320-E345GC excavators. OEM cross-reference verified. Bulk orders from IXIN Filter.
Description
This 523-4987 fuel filter is an ultra-high-efficiency fuel/water separator element engineered as a direct replacement for the Caterpillar 523-4987, widely used across CAT’s current-generation C7.1-powered excavator lineup. Built with meltblown filter media and a flange-mount cartridge design, it’s engineered to provide thorough contamination control so that only clean fuel reaches the engine.
Product Overview
The 523-4987 fuel filter uses meltblown filter media in a flange-type cartridge element, constructed with glass-filled nylon end caps and fiberglass roving impregnated with epoxy resin for durability. As an ultra-high-efficiency fuel/water separator, it’s designed to extend the life of the secondary fuel filter and protect precision fuel injection components from contamination. Each unit is dimensionally verified against OEM measurements and tested for filtration performance before shipment — not just matched by part number.
Fits the Following Caterpillar Models & Engines
| Category | Models |
|---|---|
| Excavators | CAT E320, E320GC, E323, E326, E330, E330GC, E336, E336GC, E340, E345GC |
| Wheel Loaders | CAT 926, 930, 938, 950, 962 |
| Engines | Caterpillar C7.1 |
Always confirm your machine’s serial number range against the OEM cross-reference before ordering, as fuel system filtration specifications can vary across production years within the same model.
OEM Cross-Reference Numbers
| Brand | Number |
|---|---|
| Caterpillar | 523-4987, 5234987, 523-4986 |
| HIFI-Filter | SN40858 |
| Mann | SK 48941, SK 48949 |
Key Features
- Ultra-high-efficiency water separation for thorough contamination control
- Meltblown filter media for consistent fine particulate and water separation performance
- Durable construction, with glass-filled nylon end caps and epoxy-impregnated fiberglass roving
- Dimensionally verified against OEM specifications, not just cross-reference number matching
- Consistent batch quality control, with raw material and pre-shipment testing on every production run
Specifications (Publicly Referenced Dimensions)
Dimensions below are compiled from publicly available cross-reference filter databases, including Fuel Filter Cross Reference. Sources showed minor variation in reported length (250.3mm to 260mm), with official Cat Parts Store data citing 250.3mm. Please verify against your machine’s actual filter housing or OEM documentation before bulk ordering.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 250.3 mm (some public listings cite up to 260 mm — verify before production) |
| Outer Diameter | 103 mm |
| Secondary Diameter | Approx. 88.7 mm |
| Thread | M14 x 4 |
| Filter Type | Flange-mount fuel/water separator element |
| Filter Media | Meltblown |
| Application | CAT C7.1-powered excavators and wheel loaders |
| Packaging Options | Standard retail box, bulk carton, or private-label packaging available |
Why Source This Fuel Filter from IXIN Filter
We manufacture this 523-4987 fuel filter in our own production facility, with quality control checkpoints from raw material inspection through final pre-shipment testing. If you’re sourcing for a distribution business or fleet, we can provide:
- Sample units for independent testing before a bulk order
- Documentation on OEM cross-reference verification
- Flexible MOQ and private-label packaging options
- Consistent batch-to-batch quality for repeat orders
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a spin-on filter or a cartridge element? This is a flange-mount cartridge element, designed to install into a reusable filter head rather than screw on and off directly like a spin-on filter.
Does this filter separate water from fuel? Yes. The 523-4987 functions as an ultra-high-efficiency fuel/water separator, designed to remove water and fine contaminants before fuel reaches the injection system.
Will this fit all the excavator models listed? It fits the E-series excavator and wheel loader models listed above, but fuel system configurations can vary by production year and serial number range. We recommend confirming your machine’s specific configuration before ordering, especially for bulk purchases.
Do you offer samples before a bulk order? Yes. We recommend requesting a sample for independent testing before committing to a bulk order, especially for first-time buyers.
Ready to order or request a sample? Contact IXIN Filter for pricing, MOQ, and lead time on the 523-4987 fuel filter.





