Water separator ??
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 312
Likes: 0
Having some concerns myself, I drained my water seperator about six weeks ago and two weeks later the messege came up, so I drained it again, two weeks later messege came up again, so I drained it again. This has become the norm for me. I am within a thousand miles of the 40k schedule service, should I wait and drain until then or should I bite it and take it in now? I really only want to take it in once. I've read other posts about this and some people had to replace the lower fuel filter before the messege stopped. Advise please.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,788
Likes: 103
From: Georgia
It's not hard to see, if you have any water in in there it will show up. If I was concerned I woudn't wait, but if you don't have water and the light comes on it's gotta be the sensor, right. The service depts around here are trying hard to get some business, call and work out a good price. I just got an offer on email for a diesel oil change for 59.95. That's almost less than I spend to do it myself.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 522
Likes: 0
From: oswego, new york
Should be a steady stream, I only let mine drain for about 10 seconds and then I'm getting clean fuel. I usually empty it every other month and wind up getting about 2-3 tablespoons of water.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,788
Likes: 103
From: Georgia
I've read that opening the fuel cap will help with flow. Also, some have said to try clearing the pitcock with a wire. Strip the insulation off a small guage wire and run it in and out the spout.
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
It's not hard to see, if you have any water in in there it will show up. If I was concerned I woudn't wait, but if you don't have water and the light comes on it's gotta be the sensor, right. The service depts around here are trying hard to get some business, call and work out a good price. I just got an offer on email for a diesel oil change for 59.95. That's almost less than I spend to do it myself.
Elder User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 682
Likes: 1
So after reading this thread it has occurred to me Ive never drain my water seperator. Simple reason my light has never came on. Is this normal? Ive got a 2010 with about 21k mi. I run a diesel clean in almost every tank and have had the all filters replaced on schedule. Im started doing the normal 10k mi changes but Im going to up it to the 5k mi plan due to reccomendations from other members. Please tell me this is normal!
STM
STM
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,788
Likes: 103
From: Georgia
Well guys, are you at least changing the filters? I think these motors are prone to be damaged way beyound what we would expect if water getss into the engine fuel system. I'm not sure what the owners manual says but a lot of the regulars on here drain the rail filter monthly. I do mine on the 1st. Theory being (at least for me) is that the amount of damage that can be done is significant verus the 5 minutes a month it takes to drain it. Put water filter and water in fuel in the search and read the threads, there are some sad storys on here.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 291
Likes: 0
This was exactly what was happening to me except mine got o the extreme and the whole housing had to be replaced due to corrossion and stuff. Luckily covered under 36k mile warranty. I now back the truck up drivewway to drain in the middle of each month. My driveway has a minor slope but enough to affect the draining.I might see at most a quarter teaspoon each month and drain for a 25 second count
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
db1212
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
4
Mar 4, 2012 09:15 AM
slspokane
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
3
Nov 5, 2006 01:47 AM
