Rajan Wilcox
Water in a diesel fuel tank can cause a lot of problems, from corroding your fuel system to damaging the injection system and preventing your engine from starting. The solution is a diesel filter water separator, which collects water at the bottom of the filter, making it easy to remove. To drain the filter, you need to access the water drain valve, which is usually located under the hood or under the body of the vehicle. You should then turn the ignition switch to the ON position and allow the water to drain. It is important to note that you should not drain the filter when the engine is running, as diesel fuel can damage blacktop paving surfaces.
Characteristics and Values of Draining a Fuel Water Separator Filter
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to Drain | Every 10,000 miles or when the Water In Fuel Indicator Light is on |
| Engine Status | Do not drain when the engine is running |
| Drain Location | One valve is under the hood, another is under the body in front of the rear axle |
| Drain Method | Turn the petcock/drain valve counterclockwise, drain until clean fuel is visible, then close the valve |
| Disposal | Used fluids can be harmful to the environment, contact an authorized source for advice on recycling and disposal |
| Water in Diesel | Water in diesel typically has a green/yellow tint, but it can be hard to tell the difference |
| Repriming the Fuel System | Put the ignition in the 'RUN' position without your foot on the brake, repeat 2-3 times |
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What You'll Learn
Drain the fuel/water separator filter when the Water In Fuel Indicator Light is on
If the Water In Fuel Indicator Light comes on while you are driving or when the ignition switch is in the ON position, there may be a problem with your water separator wiring or sensor. Stop the engine immediately and drain the water from both filters to avoid engine damage.
There are two fuel filter assemblies. The first is located on the driver's side of the engine, and the best access to this water drain valve is from under the hood. The second is on the underbody, located in front of the rear axle above the drive shaft, and the best access to this water drain valve is from under the vehicle.
To drain the water from the fuel/water separator filter, first locate the engine-mounted filter drain valve on the side of the filter assembly. Turn the valve counterclockwise by a quarter turn. Next, locate the underbody-mounted filter drain valve on the bottom of the filter assembly and turn it counterclockwise by a full turn.
Now, turn the ignition switch to the ON position and allow any accumulated water to drain. Leave the drain valve open until all water and contaminants have been removed. You will know that the water has been completely drained when you see clean fuel. Finally, close the drain valve by rotating it clockwise until you feel resistance from the internal seal. Continue turning the drain by half a turn to properly compress the seal.
Be careful not to over-tighten the drain as this can damage the seal, causing a leak and requiring the entire sensor to be replaced.
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Accessing the water drain valve
Locating the Water Drain Valve
The first step in accessing the water drain valve is to locate it. In most vehicles, there are two fuel filter assemblies and, consequently, two water drain valves. The first assembly is typically located on the driver's side of the engine, and the best access to its water drain valve is from under the hood. The second assembly is usually found on the underbody, in front of the rear axle and above the driveshaft. For this assembly, the best access to the water drain valve is from under the vehicle.
Preparing to Drain
Before initiating the draining process, it is essential to ensure that the engine is not running. Draining the fuel/water separator filter while the engine is operational can lead to diesel fuel spillage, potentially damaging blacktop paving surfaces. Additionally, pay attention to the Water In Fuel Indicator Light. If this light is on, it indicates the presence of water in the system, and you should proceed with the draining process.
Draining the Valve
To begin draining, turn the engine-mounted filter drain valve, located on the side of the filter assembly, counterclockwise by a quarter turn. For the underbody-mounted filter drain valve, positioned at the bottom of the filter assembly, turn it counterclockwise by a full turn. After turning the valves, turn the ignition switch to the ON position, allowing accumulated water and contaminants to drain. It is crucial to leave the drain valve open until you see clean fuel being drained.
Closing the Valve
Once the draining process is complete, and you observe clean fuel, it is time to close the drain valve. Rotate the drain clockwise until you feel resistance from the internal seal. At this point, continue turning the drain by half a turn to properly compress the seal. Over-tightening the drain can damage the seal and cause leaks, so be cautious not to over-compress the seal.
Environmental Precautions
Lastly, it is important to consider the environmental impact of disposing of used fluids from your vehicle. Used fluids should not be indiscriminately discarded. Contact an authorized dealer, service station, or government agency to seek advice on recycling programs and proper disposal methods for used fluids and filters in your area.
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Disposing of used fluids
When disposing of used fluids from your vehicle, you must be careful. Used fluids, if not disposed of properly, can be harmful to the environment. Contact an authorized dealer, service station, or government agency for advice on recycling programs and proper disposal methods for used fluids and filters in your area.
Do not drain the fuel/water separator filter when the engine is running. Diesel fuel will damage blacktop paving surfaces. Drain the filter into an appropriate container. If water is detected in the water separator while the engine is running, or with the ignition on, the Water In Fuel Indicator Light will illuminate, and an audible chime will sound. At this point, stop the engine and drain the water from both filters.
If the Water In Fuel Indicator Light remains on, do not start the engine before draining water from the fuel filters to avoid engine damage. Within 10 minutes of shutting down the vehicle, turn the engine-mounted filter drain valve (found on the side of the filter assembly) counterclockwise by a quarter turn. Turn the underbody-mounted filter drain valve (located on the bottom of the filter assembly) counterclockwise by a full turn. Then, turn the ignition switch on and allow any accumulated water to drain. Leave the drain valve open until all water and contaminants have been removed.
When clean fuel is visible, close the drain valve. Rotate the drain clockwise to close until you feel resistance from the internal seal. Continue turning the drain by half a turn to properly compress the seal. Over-compression of the seal due to over-tightening of the drain will damage the seal, cause a leak, and require the entire sensor to be replaced.
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How to tell if there is water in the fuel
Water in the fuel can cause serious damage to your engine, so it's important to know how to identify it. Here are some ways to tell if there is water in your fuel:
Engine Performance Issues
One of the first signs that your fuel water separator may be full is a decline in engine performance. If your engine starts to sputter, stammer, or stall for no apparent reason, it could be due to water in the fuel system. A full fuel water separator can no longer effectively separate water from the fuel, resulting in "dirtied" fuel that causes the engine to run inefficiently or die.
Warning Lights and Sensors
Most modern systems have warning lights or sensors that indicate when the separator is full. Advanced sensor-equipped separators can alert you when maintenance or replacement is needed. It's important to pay attention to these signals and perform regular checks to prevent issues.
Unusual Noises
In addition to visual signs, you might hear unusual noises coming from your engine, such as gurgling or humming sounds. These sounds could indicate the presence of water in the fuel system.
Frequent Clogging and Restricted Fuel Flow
If you experience frequent clogging or restricted fuel flow, it could be a sign of increased water levels in the separator. This can lead to recurring engine performance problems, including stalling or power loss.
Visual Inspection
Periodically inspecting your fuel water separator can help prevent it from becoming full. During routine inspections, you may notice the accumulation of water in the fuel, indicating the need for draining or maintenance.
Remember that using high-quality fuel and premium filters can extend the life of your fuel water separator by reducing the frequency of maintenance. Consistent monitoring and timely replacement are crucial to ensuring your fuel system remains free from water contamination and your engine runs smoothly.
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What water in diesel looks like
Water contamination in diesel fuel can have serious repercussions, including engine damage and costly repairs. Therefore, it is important to be able to spot the signs of water contamination.
Diesel usually appears clear and bright, but when the water content exceeds the fuel's capacity, this can change. Water in diesel can appear cloudy or milky, with a green or yellow tint. If you notice that your fuel is cloudy, murky, or discoloured, it is likely that there is excess water in your diesel.
Another sign of water contamination is the presence of sludge. Water in diesel can lead to the growth of bacteria, which produces waste and destroys the engine and parts. This waste appears as a nasty brown or black sludge, which can block filters and damage the pumping system.
Additionally, water in diesel can cause corrosion and rust in the fuel tank. Rust particles can float around, clogging and damaging fuel filters, and leading to further engine issues.
If you suspect water contamination in your diesel fuel, you can use a water detection kit or water finding paste to confirm its presence. It is important to address water contamination promptly to prevent costly repairs and engine damage.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you drain your fuel water separator filter every 10,000 miles.
If your vehicle has a Water In Fuel Indicator Light, drain the filter when this light is on. If not, you should drain the filter when you notice water in your fuel. Water in diesel typically has a green or yellow tint.
First, locate the filter drain valve. If your vehicle has two fuel filter assemblies, there will be two drain valves to access. One is located on the driver's side of the engine, and the other is located under the body, in front of the rear axle above the drive shaft. Next, turn the engine off and open the drain valve(s). Hold a jar under the drain plug and loosen the plug to let the filter drain. Leave the drain valve open until all water and contaminants have been removed and only clean fuel is visible. Finally, close the drain valve and dispose of the drained fluid responsibly. Contact your local dealer, service station, or government agency for advice on recycling programs and proper disposal methods.
