Mercedes Mullins
Fuel water separators are an important upgrade for diesel engines, as they protect them from water and contaminants in the fuel. However, these separators require regular maintenance to function effectively. One key aspect of this maintenance is draining the separator filter. This process involves opening the drain at the bottom of the separator/filter, which will cause a suction that pulls fuel and water into the filter from the tank. It is important to have a container ready to collect the drained fluid and to ensure that the engine is not running during the process, as diesel fuel can damage blacktop paving surfaces. Proper disposal of the drained fluid is also essential to avoid environmental contamination.
Characteristics and Values of Draining a Fuel Water Separator Filter
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to Drain | Drain the filter when the Water In Fuel Indicator Light is on or after long trips to rural areas. Drain the filter every 10,000 miles as a general rule. |
| What to Drain | Drain water and contaminants from the fuel bowl located at the bottom of the Fuel Water Separator. |
| How to Drain | Loosen the black tap at the bottom of the bowl and drain into a container. Do not remove the filter. Turn the engine-mounted filter drain valve counter-clockwise by a quarter turn and the underbody-mounted valve by a full turn. |
| Precautions | Do not drain with the engine running. Ensure proper disposal of used fluids. Reprime the fuel system after draining. |
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What You'll Learn
- Drain the fuel/water separator filter when the Water In Fuel Indicator Light is on
- Turn the engine mounted filter drain valve counterclockwise by 1/4 turn
- Drain the filter into an appropriate container
- The tap on the bottom of the clear bowl doesn't need to be completely removed
- Dispose of used fluids properly
Drain the fuel/water separator filter when the Water In Fuel Indicator Light is on
If the Water In Fuel Indicator Light comes on, there may be water in the fuel filter that needs to be drained. This light may be accompanied by a single audible chime, indicating a problem with the water separator wiring or sensor. In this case, it is recommended to visit an authorized dealer for service.
To drain the fuel/water separator filter, first locate the filter drain valve. There are two fuel filter assemblies. One is located on the driver's side of the engine, and the best access to this valve is from under the hood. The second one is on the underbody, located in front of the rear axle above the drive shaft, and the best access to this valve is from under the vehicle.
Within 10 minutes of shutting down the vehicle, turn the engine-mounted filter drain valve (located on the side of the filter assembly) counterclockwise by a quarter turn. Then, turn the underbody-mounted filter drain valve (located on the bottom of the filter assembly) counterclockwise by a full turn. Ensure that you do not completely remove the filter during this process.
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. When clean fuel is visible, close the drain valve by rotating it clockwise until you feel resistance from the internal seal. Continue turning the drain by a half turn to properly compress the seal.
Be careful not to over-tighten the drain, as this can damage the seal and cause leaks. Over-compression of the seal will require the entire sensor to be replaced. After draining, properly dispose of the used fluids by contacting an authorized dealer, service station, or government agency for advice on recycling programs and proper disposal methods.
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Turn the engine mounted filter drain valve counterclockwise by 1/4 turn
To drain a fuel water separator filter, you must first locate the filter drain valve. This is usually found on the side of the filter assembly, but it can also be located under the vehicle, in front of the rear axle, and above the drive shaft. Once you have located the valve, ensure that the engine is not running. Diesel fuel can damage blacktop paving surfaces, so it is important to turn off the engine before draining the filter. Place an appropriate container underneath the valve to catch the drained fluid.
Now, you are ready to turn the engine-mounted filter drain valve counterclockwise by a quarter turn. By turning the valve, you will open it and allow the accumulated water and contaminants to drain out. It is important to only loosen the valve by a quarter turn to avoid over-loosening, which could result in the valve falling out and spilling fluid everywhere. Once the valve is open, leave it to drain completely. You will know it is finished draining when you see clean fuel.
After the fluid has been drained, you can close the valve by turning it clockwise until you feel resistance from the internal seal. To ensure the seal is properly compressed, continue turning the valve another half-turn. Be careful not to over-tighten the valve, as this can damage the seal, causing a leak, and potentially requiring the sensor to be replaced.
It is important to note that, when draining the fuel water separator filter, you do not need to remove the filter itself. This is because opening the drain will create suction, pulling more fuel into the filter from the tank.
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Drain the filter into an appropriate container
To drain the filter into an appropriate container, first locate the drain valve. There are two fuel filter assemblies. One 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 one is on the underbody, located in front of the rear axle above the drive shaft, and the best access to this valve is from under the vehicle.
Next, place an appropriate container under the drain valve. Make sure the container is large enough to catch any fuel and water that will be drained from the filter.
Then, open the drain valve. Depending on the vehicle, this may involve turning the valve counterclockwise a quarter or full turn, or simply loosening it. Be careful not to remove the filter itself, as this will cause suction and pull more fuel into the filter from the tank.
Once the drain valve is open, leave it open until all water and contaminants have been removed. You may need to turn on the ignition (without starting the engine) to allow accumulated water to drain. Watch the fluid as it drains and continue draining until you see clean fuel. If you are unsure what water in diesel looks like, you can drain the entire filter and then reprime the fuel system. Alternatively, you can put the drained fluid in a bottle and let it sit for a few minutes; if there is water in the fuel, it will settle at the bottom of the bottle.
Finally, close the drain valve by turning it clockwise until you feel resistance from the internal seal. Then, continue turning the drain half a turn to properly compress the seal. Over-compression of the seal due to over-tightening can cause damage and leaks.
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The tap on the bottom of the clear bowl doesn't need to be completely removed
To drain a fuel water separator filter, you will need to locate the bowl at the bottom of the separator. This bowl is where water and contaminants in the fuel collect and should be drained regularly, especially after long trips to rural areas.
The tap on the bottom of the clear bowl does not need to be completely removed. Instead, simply loosen the tap and drain the contents into a container until the bowl is empty. This process will create a suction effect, pulling more fuel from the tank into the filter, ensuring that all water and contaminants are removed.
It is important to note that you should not drain the fuel water separator filter while the engine is running. If the engine is on and the Water In Fuel Indicator Light comes on, stop the engine and drain the water from both filters. Once the water has been drained, the indicator light will remain on for approximately 10 seconds. If the engine was running during the draining process, the light may stay on for up to three minutes.
To ensure that all water and contaminants have been removed, leave the drain valve open until you can see clean fuel. Then, close the drain valve by rotating it clockwise until you feel resistance from the internal seal. Over-tightening the drain can damage the seal and cause leaks, so be careful not to turn it too far.
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Dispose of used fluids properly
It is important to dispose of used fluids from your vehicle properly. 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 for information on where used fluids and filters can be properly disposed of in your area.
Make sure you drain the filter into an appropriate container. Do not drain the fuel/water separator filter when the engine is running as diesel fuel will damage blacktop paving surfaces. If water is detected in the water separator while the engine is running, or while the ignition switch is in the ON position, the Water In Fuel Indicator Light will illuminate and an audible chime will be heard five times. At this point, you should stop the engine and drain the water from both of the filters.
If the Water In Fuel Indicator Light remains on, do not start the engine before you drain water from the fuel filters to avoid engine damage. Once you have drained the water, the Water In Fuel Indicator Light will remain illuminated for approximately 10 seconds. If the water was drained while the engine was running, the light may remain on for approximately three minutes.
When it comes to the Fuel Water Separator's filter cartridge, it is recommended that you replace it during each of your vehicle's regular fuel filter service intervals. To complete this service, you will need to purchase a replacement fuel filter. Once you have the new filter, start by loosening the old filter cartridge from the head of the separator and removing it, making sure to drain any leftover fuel into a small container.
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Frequently asked questions
You should drain your fuel water separator filter when the Water In Fuel Indicator Light is on. If the light comes on while you're driving, there may be a problem with your water separator wiring or sensor, so take your vehicle to an authorized dealer for service.
You should drain your fuel water separator filter every 10,000 miles. You should also keep a regular eye on the bowl located at the bottom of your Fuel Water Separator, especially after long trips to rural areas. If you notice any water or contaminants, drain the bowl.
First, make sure you have a container ready to catch the drained fluid. Then, turn the engine mounted filter drain valve (located on the side of the filter assembly) counterclockwise a quarter turn, and turn the underbody-mounted filter drain valve (located on the bottom of the filter assembly) counterclockwise a full turn. Leave the drain valve open until all water and contaminants have been removed. When clean fuel is visible, close the drain valve by rotating it clockwise until you feel resistance from the internal seal, then continue turning it half a turn to properly compress the seal.
After draining your fuel water separator filter, you should prime the fuel system. To do this, turn the ignition on (without starting) several times.
