I've never had any problem with a full or 1/2 tank. I do drain the seperator plug prior to changing the filter. I do put a rag on the frame rail. I have never gotten more than a pint from the seperator and very little in the rag after pulling the filter.

 

Same for me.
i have a few empty 16 oz plastic peanut butter
jars. Never gets more than half full for me.
Also fits nicely in there... i am 2wd.
put cap on and can see water droplets
when done that form on top.
and any dirt on bottom of jar.

 

I change mine in the street in some old crappy clothes, and then let the clothes air/dry out for a week before washing them!

 

LOL


I take a funnel and drain the water separator. I have the knurled plug so it is not very messy. Any other spills are minor.

 

Before I updated the drain lug, I used to lay a big plastic tray we used for mixing grout in when we did our tile, on my chest. Stuffed some rags along the frame rail. Worked pretty good!

Now just some rubber gloves (you know, the "playtex gloves you can pick a dime up with." For those that remember that commercial)

And a couple rags on the frame rail, no problemo!

 

Wow, this job is sounding more and more fun, lol

 

It is not that bad.

 

Glad to hear that! Seems straight-forward enough. I am changing the oil at the same time...probably going to do that first so I dont have to smell like diesel while changing the oil lol

 

It doesn't seem to matter how much fuel is in my tank. I drain the water plug first and get about two quarts, then I pull the filter with the little plug out. It still runs another quart down the frame, onto the transmission crossmember, then on me, no matter where I stand under it (I have a lift at my home shop, I have also changed the filters at the shop I work at.)

 

Get a fumoto valve!

 

Thats the better drain plug right? Do they sell it in stores? If not I wont have time to have it shipped to me (doing it tomorrow). I was going to try to do it next filter change...

 

Fumoto Valve | Qwik Valve™
These are Fumoto valves. You want F-111N for the 6.0L (N is for Nipple). They also have a version without nipple, and one with a removable plastic nipple that snaps in. I've only tried the nipple. It lets you drain the oil directly into an oil jug or whatever, instead of having to use a pan in between.

The F-108N fits in the coolant drains on the block for coolant draining and flushing.

HFCM Drain Plug
The improved HFCM drain is totally different. The drain that's in there now is flush and requires (I think) 8mm hex to get it out. It's brass, and easily strips. The improved one is not flush, has a **** outside the hole so you can use your fingers or, if it's too tight, a pair of pliers. It also has the hex drive socket too.
It has another benefit in that it's 'captured' to keep it from coming all the way off the truck when unscrewed. So it provides a path for the fuel/water to make a nice stream into your container instead of splashing all over the place.
You're gonna get fuel on you no matter what, most likely, at least until you learn how to do it.

I guess you'll find out whether your truck cares about the fuel left in the tank. Mine does, it never stops flowing if there's a full tank. I also park just slightly nose-up.

 

I don't think they sell them locally.

You can install the Fumoto valve at any time without dropping the oil.

 

Call your local Ford parts counter. They might have it. I have read that some, not all, carry them. Worth a shot.

And, when you go to remove the stock one, you just might strip it any way! Then, you will need one. They are not updated plugs just because of ease of draining.

 

The HFCM drain plug is typically stocked I have found. You can get it at an International dealer.

The fumoto valve is not.