Everything I've read says to turn off the engine when draining water from the fuel filter, but mine won't drain unless the engine is running and the housing is pressurized. Is this an indication of a problem? Thanks in advance.

 

I realize they are different, but mine (2000) drains fine with the engine off. I can hear it gurgling and can smell the fuel almost immediately.........

 

If you loosen the fuel filter cap it will help the draining.

 

Drain while its running.
Just a note: your truck will do it by itself when its cold outside. I had it happen to me and thought I had blew a fuel line.!

 

I always do the same steps in the same order :

1. Remove fuel filter cover
2. Drain fuel bowl untill empty
3. Remove old and insert new filter
4. Fill fuel bowl with Power Service additive
5. Re-attach fuel filter cover

 

Are you saying you change your fuel filter every time the water in fuel light comes on?

 

Drain the water out of the fuel bowl at each oil change, change the fuel filter at 10K miles completely draining the fuel bowl. To avoid draining the bowl with the engine on, open the lid to the fuel bowl. I follow the same steps JoeBoost posted when changing the filter except I fill the bowl with Standyne lubricity formula.

 

I understand how to change the fuel filter...that was not my question. My question was draining the water out of the filter housing when the water in fuel light comes on. This doesn't necessarily mean the filter needs to be changed. I was wondering why it won't drain with the engine off. I'll try loosening the cap next time.

 

Because there is no air or fuel forcing it's way through the filter the fuel will not drain. The fuel and air in the fuel bowl is trapped in a sense.

 

Yes I understand that too. But why does Ford say to turn the engine off if it won't drain that way? I was concerned there may be something wrong with my truck.

 

It should drain that way. They say to turn the truck off because they don't want fuel spilling on a running engine and the owner standing above the running engine. If it doesn't drain that way it should definately drain with the lid cracked on the fuel bowl. If it doesn't then you have a blockage in the line.