Sylvie Willis
Water in your diesel fuel filter can be caused by contaminated fuel, usually from a poor-quality filling station. Draining the water from your diesel fuel filter can be done by locating the drain valve or plug at the bottom of the filter and opening it to release the water. This process should be done carefully, as not tightening the valve enough can cause air to enter the fuel system and lead to engine issues. It is recommended to drain into a container to check for water, which will settle at the bottom, and then dispose of the waste appropriately.
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What You'll Learn
Drain the water from the bottom valve or remove the plug
To drain water from your diesel fuel filter, you can either use the bottom valve or remove the plug. This process will allow you to drain water from the fuel filter housing.
First, locate the diesel fuel conditioner module and place a suitable container under the drain port. If you have a RAM 1500, there is a Phillips screw at the bottom of the fuel filter housing that you can loosen and pull to start draining fuel. For other vehicles, there may be a yellow screw or a valve that you can open to drain the water.
If you have a plug, loosen the fuel filter housing lid or cap first before loosening the drain plug. Be careful not to remove the plug completely, as this can cause diesel to spill everywhere. Once you start draining, you'll be able to see the water coming out, and it will settle out from the diesel if you drain it into a clear container.
Continue draining until you get clear fuel or diesel coming out, indicating that the water has been removed. Then, carefully tighten the drain valve or screw to prevent air from entering the fuel system, which can cause drivetrain issues.
It is recommended to check and drain your fuel filter a few times a year or whenever you perform other maintenance tasks, such as greasing or changing fluids.
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Check for water in the diesel
It is normal to find small amounts of water in your diesel fuel. However, excessive amounts of water in your diesel tank can cause significant issues. Over time, water condensation can collect in your tank, and water can also enter your tank when filling up due to poor fuel handling. Leaks in filler caps or fuel filler systems can also allow water to enter your tank.
Check the diesel tanks
Use a flashlight to look into your tanks. Clean diesel is clear and light-coloured, so if your fuel is dark or cloudy, it may be contaminated with water.
Water in diesel testing kits
You can use a water in diesel testing kit to quickly and safely determine whether your fuel has been contaminated. These kits can be used in the field or in a workshop and do not require expensive laboratory analysis.
Check the fuel filter
Open the bottom valve or remove the plug on the bottom of the first-stage fuel filter. Drain the fuel into a container and observe whether water is coming out. Water will settle out from the diesel, and you will be able to see it at the bottom of the container.
Check the fuel bowl
Some fuel bowls have a ring at the bottom that floats if there is water in the bowl. If your bowl does not have a ring, you may be able to add one to make checking for water easier. Water will settle at the bottom of the bowl, so you should be able to see a distinct bubble of water settled at the bottom.
It is recommended to check for water in your diesel a few times a year, such as when changing fluids or performing other maintenance tasks.
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Loosen the yellow screw
To loosen the yellow screw, you must first loosen the fuel filter housing lid or cap. This will allow air to enter as the fuel drains out the bottom. Then, loosen the yellow screw and pull it down 1/4 inch, wiggling it around. The fuel will then begin to drip out.
One user recommends attaching a freezer bag to collect the fuel, then tightening the screw back up. You can then check the contents of the bag in a jar to see if water has settled at the bottom and separated from the fuel.
It is important to note that water is heavier than oil, so it will be at the bottom of what is drained. However, some users have commented that they have never found water in the fuel filter when opening the screw.
After draining, you will need to reprime the fuel system. To do this, without your foot on the brake, press the ignition twice so that it is in the RUN position. The fuel pump should run for about 30 seconds without trying to start the vehicle. Press the ignition again to turn it off. Repeat this process 2-3 times or as many times as you feel comfortable. You cannot "overprime" the system.
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Drain the water from the fuel filter
Water in the fuel filter can be caused by contaminated fuel. To drain the water, you will need to locate the fuel filter and drain valve. Stop your vehicle and shut off the engine. Place an appropriate container under the drain port.
For a Chevy or GMC Duramax Diesel, you will need a 7mm socket, 10mm socket, and a pair of needle-nose pliers. The filter is located behind the passenger-side fender well. Unplug the wire from the filter and use channel locks to open the drain cock. Drain the fluid into a container and observe the colour. Water will likely be brown and nasty, and diesel will have a green or yellow tint. Drain until you get clear fuel out.
For a RAM 1500 Diesel, there is a yellow screw or plug at the bottom of the fuel filter housing that can be loosened to drain the water. Loosen the fuel filter housing lid or cap first to allow air to enter as the fuel drains.
For a Jeep Gladiator, there is a plug at the bottom of the fuel filter that can be removed to drain the water. Turn the plug until fuel comes out, then stop turning.
After draining the water, make sure to tighten the drain valve to prevent air from entering the fuel system and causing drivetrain issues. Reprime the fuel system by turning the ignition on (without starting) several times.
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Reprime the fuel system
Repriming the fuel system is a common procedure in diesel engine maintenance. It is necessary after replacing the fuel filters to maintain the optimal performance of your car's engine. Diesel engines require changing the fuel filters between 10,000 to 30,000 miles, as contaminants build up in the filter and restrict fuel flow to the engine, causing performance drops.
After replacing the filters, the fuel system must be reprimed to remove any remaining air inside the injection system. This is because, when the fuel pump is empty, air enters the fuel system, which must be removed to ensure the vehicle functions properly. The same procedure is also required after maintenance that involves emptying the tank or if the tank is not refilled on time.
To reprime the fuel system, first, ensure there is a reasonable amount of fuel in the tank. The system will start drawing fuel, and it may draw air again if there is not enough. The primer is usually a pump or a bulb, and its location can be found in the engine manual. There is a high likelihood that the primer will have words or symbols that indicate its function. Once located, simply follow the engine manual's instructions to reprime the system. For older cars, the process may require more manual intervention and the use of tools.
If you have a "water in fuel" warning light come on, it is recommended to stop driving and change the fuel filter. This can be done by pulling the passenger side fender well on the front. Then, use a 7mm socket, 10mm socket, and a pair of needle noise to access the filter. Unplug the wire and use channel locks to open the drain cock. Drain the water, which will likely be brown and nasty, until you get clear fuel out. After carefully tightening the drain cock, go to the top side of the filter and find the bleeder screw on the filter head. Open this and use the primer bulb until you have solid fuel coming out.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few ways to drain water from your diesel fuel filter. One way is to locate the diesel fuel conditioner module and place an appropriate container under the drain port. Rotate the drain counterclockwise until the O-ring is visible and let the diesel fuel drain for 25 seconds or until clean fuel is observed. Rotate the drain clockwise to tighten it.
If no liquid drains from your diesel fuel filter, there may be a clog in the drain. Have the conditioner module serviced by an authorized dealer.
It is recommended that you drain water from your diesel fuel filter every 10,000 miles or so. However, some people recommend checking and draining water a few times a year or whenever you are greasing and checking/changing fluids.
