Water in separator
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Water in separator
Guys my first post hope you can help. My 2008 6.4 60k miles, had water in separator light come on. I have drained 5 times, changed both fuel filters today. On start up light is not on, after aprox 6-8 miles still coming on. Pulled rail filter and it looked good, only 7k miles since last change. Down to half a tank of bad fuel??? Or could there be a problem with the sensor, not seeing any water when drained. Thanks for any help.
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2011
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I suspect you have an issue with the water in fuel sensor. Could be the sensor itself, the wiring to it, or perhaps some parafin glop buildup trapping some water next to the sensor even when you drain the separator.
You can get some visibility into the separator sump area with the filter removed and using a mirror and light. You can also remove the drain valve assembly when doing this to provide some visibility into the sump through those holes.
In my 122k+ miles I've never seen a water in fuel message, but when I drain the separator every month or two I will see anywhere from a pin head sized drop, up to perhaps a half teaspoon worth of slightly rusty colored water at the bottom of the catch container I drain the fuel into. I then pour off the good fuel into my tractor, and dispose of the last few drops of fuel and the water.
You can get some visibility into the separator sump area with the filter removed and using a mirror and light. You can also remove the drain valve assembly when doing this to provide some visibility into the sump through those holes.
In my 122k+ miles I've never seen a water in fuel message, but when I drain the separator every month or two I will see anywhere from a pin head sized drop, up to perhaps a half teaspoon worth of slightly rusty colored water at the bottom of the catch container I drain the fuel into. I then pour off the good fuel into my tractor, and dispose of the last few drops of fuel and the water.
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Thanks for info
My plan is to order a new sensor, clean out best I can before install. Found some sensors on line, not sure how much Ford dealer would charge for part. Dealer told me they can only replace entire unit, $460...ouch.
Anyone changed the wif sensor, any tips appreciated, thanks.
Anyone changed the wif sensor, any tips appreciated, thanks.
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2011
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You could do this on the 6.4 HFCM if you removed the drain valve (3 screws). There are two holes with O-rings (drain and vent) so you could spray the cleaner in the top hole and let it run out the bottom hole.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2011
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From: Down SOUTH
Draining WON'T get the crud out.
It needs disassembled & cleaned routinely :
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...n-my-hfcm.html
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It needs disassembled & cleaned routinely :
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...n-my-hfcm.html
.
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The sensor is easy to swap out. There will be instructions with the new one. You grip it, turn like 90 degrees or something and yank. New one presses and snaps in place. You really should clean out the separator when you do this. I think the sensor costs like $19 and you'll need a new gasket for the separator cover. I did mine with: milk carton to catch fuel, a cordless screwdriver to remove/replace cover and pliers to pull sensor ... about 20 minutes.
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Swapped wif sensor
Thanks to all you guys for info, pulled old sensor, and using carb cleaner sprayed in through sensor port with drain valve open, also flushed through drain out the sensor port. Used whole can of carb cleaner and flushed out diesel crud, hope I got it all but after 50 miles all is good. Ford dealer charged $37.50 for new sensor.
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