Fuel Filter Water Separator Freezing Question
#1
01-18-2016, 05:02 PM
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Fuel Filter Water Separator Freezing Question
Ok, this is probably a stupid question. We have been having near zero temps for several days and it occurred to me that there may be some amount of water in the water separator in the rail mounted fuel filter (not enough to send a message, but maybe some amount). I only have 3,000 miles on the truck. So, just wondering if a small amount of water is going to hurt anything in the filter or filter housing if it freezes? Should I drain the filter in freezing weather even though enough water hasn't collected enough to activate a message? Thanks for your replies.
#2
01-18-2016, 05:21 PM
I wouldn't think it will be a problem but if cocerned,add some sea foam to your fuel system. Helps remove moisture from fuel and cleans the fuel system. I use it on my vechiles,tractors and small engines. There's other brand names additives but this is the only one I'm familiar with that has served me well.
#3
01-18-2016, 06:48 PM
I would say this concern is really a non-issue if you drain the separator every oil change, which is normal.
That said, Seafoam can be up to 25% isopropanol. I would NOT run any alcohol through a common rail diesel. No offense, a diesel in a tractor or a small engine is very different from a common rail diesel where fuel pressure get's crazy high compared to HEUI and mechanically injected diesels.
http://www2.apwa.net//Documents/Abou...re_Job_Aid.pdf
That said, Seafoam can be up to 25% isopropanol. I would NOT run any alcohol through a common rail diesel. No offense, a diesel in a tractor or a small engine is very different from a common rail diesel where fuel pressure get's crazy high compared to HEUI and mechanically injected diesels.
Originally Posted by Form 6.7L Diesel Fuel System Contamination Diagnosis and Service Procedure Job Aid
Q. What are the effects of non-recommended fuel additives?
A. Alcohol based additives or other chemicals that cause water to disperse/emulsify will cause damage to the fuel system. Chemicals that disperse/emulsify the water in the fuel will not allow the filters to properly separate the water and pass it through to the fuel system. Alcohol based additives also decrease the lubricity of the fuel, which can damage the high pressure fuel system.
Contaminant:
Incorrect Fuel Additives - (alcohol based and other)
Symptom:
Low fuel pressure on HP and/or LP side, poor driveability
Effect:
Premature HP pump and fuel injector wear, may have rust/corrosion, or only debris
Indicator:
Rust/Corrosion if water emulsifies and prevents fuel, water separation
A. Alcohol based additives or other chemicals that cause water to disperse/emulsify will cause damage to the fuel system. Chemicals that disperse/emulsify the water in the fuel will not allow the filters to properly separate the water and pass it through to the fuel system. Alcohol based additives also decrease the lubricity of the fuel, which can damage the high pressure fuel system.
Contaminant:
Incorrect Fuel Additives - (alcohol based and other)
Symptom:
Low fuel pressure on HP and/or LP side, poor driveability
Effect:
Premature HP pump and fuel injector wear, may have rust/corrosion, or only debris
Indicator:
Rust/Corrosion if water emulsifies and prevents fuel, water separation
#4
01-19-2016, 07:55 AM
Lead Driver
Ok, this is probably a stupid question. We have been having near zero temps for several days and it occurred to me that there may be some amount of water in the water separator in the rail mounted fuel filter (not enough to send a message, but maybe some amount). I only have 3,000 miles on the truck. So, just wondering if a small amount of water is going to hurt anything in the filter or filter housing if it freezes? Should I drain the filter in freezing weather even though enough water hasn't collected enough to activate a message? Thanks for your replies.
#6
01-19-2016, 09:04 AM
NO Seafoam for Newer Diesel
Second on NOT using seafoam.
I have been running diesel since 2008 and still have not seen any water in fuel. But you should still drain it once a month. You could pull a sample after the truck has ran for a bit or when its above 32 degrees for a day or so. Saying that I spend most of my time in SOCAL.
I have been running diesel since 2008 and still have not seen any water in fuel. But you should still drain it once a month. You could pull a sample after the truck has ran for a bit or when its above 32 degrees for a day or so. Saying that I spend most of my time in SOCAL.
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