Ameer Randolph
Draining diesel fuel filters is a necessary task for vehicle maintenance, especially when dealing with diesel engines. Unlike petrol engines, diesel engines lack vapour pressure to displace air, leading to condensation build-up and potential fuel contamination. Water in diesel fuel can cause significant issues, including microbial growth, corrosion, and injection system damage. To address this, diesel filter water separators are employed, featuring hydrophobic filters and drainage mechanisms. Properly draining diesel fuel filters involves specific steps, such as locating the diesel fuel conditioner module, placing a container under the drain port, and rotating the drain to release the fuel. It is important to be cautious during the process to avoid spills and ensure the engine operates correctly.
How to Drain a Diesel Fuel Filter
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Stop the vehicle and shut off the engine |
| Step 2 | Locate the diesel fuel conditioner module and place a container under the drain port |
| Step 3 | Rotate the drain counterclockwise until the O-ring is visible |
| Step 4 | Allow the diesel fuel conditioner module to drain for 25 seconds or until clean fuel is observed |
| Step 5 | Rotate the drain clockwise to tighten it |
| Step 6 | If no liquid drains, there may be a clog in the drain. Have the conditioner module serviced by a dealer |
| Step 7 | Fully tighten the drain valve and remove the container |
| Step 8 | Restart the engine. If the "Water in Fuel Drain Filter" message appears, have the fuel system checked and repaired |
| Notes | With fuel tank levels above 3/4, loosen the bowl 3 turns before opening the drain to prevent fuel from siphoning out of the tank. A loose drain valve can cause drivetrain issues. |
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What You'll Learn
Draining water from the fuel filter
Understanding the Problem:
Before you begin, it's important to understand why draining water from the fuel filter is necessary. Diesel fuel is susceptible to water contamination due to condensation in the engine, human error during refuelling, and water leakage into the tank. This contamination can lead to serious problems, as outlined above.
Preparation:
Park your vehicle on level ground and shut off the engine. Locate the diesel fuel conditioner module or the fuel filter housing. Place an appropriate container, such as a plastic bottle or jar, under the drain port to collect the drained fluid.
Draining the Water:
- Rotate the drain counterclockwise until the O-ring seal is visible. Be careful not to loosen it too much, just enough to break the seal.
- Allow the diesel fuel conditioner module to drain. If your vehicle has a fuel tank level above 3/4 tank, loosen the bowl by about three turns before opening the drain to prevent fuel from siphoning out.
- Drain the module for approximately 25 seconds or until clean fuel is observed. If you're draining a fuel filter housing, continue until no more fuel comes out.
- If there is a vent valve, release it by positioning it at the top of the filter housing. If there isn't a valve, loosen the uppermost fuel pipe from the filter housing.
- If no liquid drains, there may be a clog in the drain. Have the conditioner module serviced by an authorized dealer.
Final Steps:
- Rotate the drain clockwise to tighten it securely. Ensure that the drain valve is fully tightened to prevent air from entering the fuel system, which can cause drivetrain issues.
- Remove the container from under your vehicle.
- Restart the engine. If a "Water in Fuel Drain Filter" warning light continues to illuminate, have the fuel system checked and repaired by a professional.
It is recommended to drain water from the fuel filter or separator every 10,000 miles or when you notice any signs of water contamination. Remember to always take precautions when working with diesel fuel and to dispose of the drained fluid responsibly.
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Locating the diesel fuel conditioner module
To locate the diesel fuel conditioner module, you will need to access the underside of your vehicle. The module is mounted between the outboard side of the fuel tank and the frame rail.
On some models, the module is at the front of the fuel tank or at the front of the aft-axle fuel tank. Specifically, the diesel fuel conditioner module is on the left-hand frame rail.
Once you have located the module, place an appropriate container under the drain port. You can also attach a tube to the drain plug and place the end of the tube into a suitable container.
Now, you can proceed to drain the diesel fuel conditioner module. Turn the drain plug counterclockwise until it stops. Do not use any tools to loosen the drain plug.
Allow the module to drain for approximately 25 seconds or until clean fuel is observed. Rotate the drain clockwise to tighten it. Ensure that you fully tighten the drain valve.
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Removing the filter housing
Locate the diesel fuel conditioner module: Start by locating the diesel fuel conditioner module or the fuel filter housing on your vehicle. This is usually found near the fuel tank and the engine. Stop your vehicle and shut off the engine before beginning any maintenance work.
Place a container under the drain port: Place an appropriate container, such as a plastic bottle or a catch can, under the drain port to collect the diesel fuel. Ensure that the container is large enough to capture all the fuel and is securely placed to avoid spills.
Rotate the drain counterclockwise: Using the appropriate tool, rotate the drain counterclockwise to loosen it. Keep turning until you can see the O-ring, which indicates that the seal is broken. This step is crucial to stopping the siphoning of fuel and limiting the drainage to the fuel left in the housing.
Drain the diesel fuel conditioner module: Allow the diesel fuel conditioner module to drain by leaving it open for approximately 25 seconds or until you notice clean fuel. If no liquid drains, there might be a clog in the drain, and you should consider having it serviced by a professional.
Tighten the drain: Once the diesel fuel has been drained, rotate the drain clockwise to tighten it securely. Ensure that the drain valve is fully tightened to prevent any fuel leakage and to avoid introducing air into the fuel system, which can cause drivetrain issues.
Remove the container: After tightening the drain, carefully remove the container from under your vehicle and dispose of the drained diesel fuel responsibly. Take precautions to avoid spills or contact with the fuel, as it can be harmful.
By following these steps, you can effectively remove the filter housing and drain the diesel fuel from your vehicle. Remember always to refer to your vehicle's manual for specific instructions and safety precautions.
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Loosening the drain valve
Before loosening the drain valve, it is important to stop your vehicle and shut off the engine. This is because a loose drain valve can allow air to enter the fuel system and cause drivetrain issues, leading to improper engine operation. Place an appropriate container under the drain port to catch the fuel.
The next step is to locate the diesel fuel conditioner module. This is where you will find the drain valve. Once located, rotate the drain counter-clockwise to loosen the valve. You may need to turn the valve quite far to start draining the fuel. If you are unable to drain the fuel, the valve may be clogged.
It is important to note that you should not remove the valve completely, as this will cause the fuel to spill out uncontrollably. Instead, loosen the valve just a bit and then turn the key on. The fuel pump will push the fuel out through the drain valve. This method is much easier and mess-free.
If you have a fuel tank level above 3/4, it is necessary to loosen the bowl by three turns before opening the drain. This will activate an anti-siphon valve at the fuel and water separator inlet, preventing the fuel from siphoning out of the tank.
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Repriming the fuel system
To reprime the fuel system, first, make sure that there is fuel present in the fuel tank. Then, turn the key to the "crank" position and quickly release it to the "on" position before the engine starts. This will operate the fuel transfer pump for approximately 25 seconds. If the engine does not start after 25 seconds, turn the key to the "off" position and leave it off for at least 5 seconds. Do not engage the starter motor for more than 30 seconds at a time, and allow two minutes between cranking intervals.
For high-pressure fuel pumps, additional steps may be required. For example, on a Fiat Allis 16B dozer, the high-pressure pump needs to push the air inside itself out into the cylinders when the pistons are at top dead center, and the pressure inside the cylinder is at its maximum. To reprime the pump, you may need to loosen at least every other fuel line going from the pump to the cylinder injectors and then turn the engine over until those lines are pumping diesel again.
It is important to note that you should not bleed the fuel system of a hot engine. The high-pressure spray from the injector line could cause personal injury or death, and the engine might start during the reprime procedure. Always wear safety goggles and adequate protective clothing when working on the fuel system.
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Frequently asked questions
To drain diesel from the fuel filter, follow these steps:
- Loosen the filter by hand.
- Place a catch container under the hose.
- Loosen the drain valve a couple of turns.
- Back the filter off to break the seal.
- Lightly spin the filter to control the flow of fuel.
If no liquid is draining, the drain may be clogged. Have the conditioner module serviced by a professional.
If the filter won't stop draining, there may be a stuck valve in the fuel filter/fuel pump housing. Check for trash or debris in the valve.
It is recommended to drain water from the fuel filter every 10,000 miles or every 10k according to some sources.
On-road diesel typically has a green/yellow tint. Drain the filter and reprime the fuel system to check for water.
