Hi there, I have a 1999 f350 7.3 diesel. I have been recently having difficulty with the water in fuel. I thought it had to do with the filter so I replaced it. I have drained the fuel filter compartment and it keeps coming back. My truck will not start unless I drain the fuel, refill, and charge batteries so I have enough amps to crank over. Is there a fuel/water separator that needs to be replaced? Or does it just collect in the fuel filter compartment?

 

There is probably water in your tank that keeps causing this. Try running a bottle of diesel 911 in the tank mixed with some fresh fuel. If you keep trying to start it like that you can do damage very fast.

 

may have to drain the tank.

 

What they said^^^

It keeps coming back cause its probably in the tank. Depending on how much is in there, I would try the 911 first then if that fails, drain the tank and try again. But remember, there is going to be some in the lines so after doing either option, I would cycle the key a few times with the bowl drain open to make sure that you clear the lines before trying to inject water into the cylinders.

 

Did you save the fuel you drained and let it settle and see water at the bottom? If there actually isn't any water the WIF sensor is bad.

If there isn't any water in fuel disconnect the white WIF/Fuel bowl heater connector on back of fuel bowl and you will be able to start. Then you can get a new sensor when possible.

I've been running for a couple of years with that connector unplugged.

 

Diesel 911. Where do you get it? I actually see a bit of water in what I drained. It is a little wet outside but I am pretty sure it came from the fuel. I still have a half tank...not happy.
Thanks

 

Most auto parts stores and Walmart carry this kind of stuff, especially this time of year. Truck stops will have it, too.

 

Walmart carries it...

 

Thanks! Hopefully this works and I wont need to drain tank.

 

I would...all that water going through injectors is not a good thing.

 

Not sure if I am going to get a response to this since all of the other posts were from 2012, but here it goes anyway. I just bought a 2011 F250 6.7. Before I got it home, I had a water in fuel filter light come on. I have read the forums and tried draining the separator, with no water. I have even changed the filters. Nothing short of taking it to the dealership fixed the issue. So I did, and they said that I had a bad sensor and a bad cap. After spending $320, I was back on the road and happy. The next day the issue came back. Still no water in the fuel. I even tried unplugging the sensor and the light is still on.

 

You may want to revisit your search and specify the 6.7L Powerstroke forum. This is the 7.3L forum, and the response would be what one could describe as anemic.

 

Sounds like they didn't fix the problem. Remember reading this years ago in the 6.7 forum. Get on there and get an answer. I'd take it back and tell them parts only. That should be covered.

 

It IS nice to see a thread with Payson participating in it though. Here's to you brother...