Water separator question
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Joined: Oct 2019
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Water separator question
I just purchased a new 2019 F350 and read the manual and did my first drain of the fuel filter water separator the yellow drain plug. 2 days after I got it. As soon as I opened it fuel started coming out and I got about 3 pints before I closed it. Didn't really see any water at the bottom of the glass jar.
After a 700 mile road trip (1600 on the odometer) and about 3 tanks full I opened the yellow drain again to see if I had anything in there. Mostly just seeing how the quality of fuel I'm getting from my local gas station.
When I opened it this time nothing came out, not even a drop. Does it make sense I didn't have anything in there or did the drain not open after turning it. I figured the fuel filter separator would fill back up with fuel and something would come out. Is that not the case? I ever pushed the start button 5 times to let the fuel pump run.
Figured something would come out every time I opened it. Could there be air trapped or yellow **** broken?
After a 700 mile road trip (1600 on the odometer) and about 3 tanks full I opened the yellow drain again to see if I had anything in there. Mostly just seeing how the quality of fuel I'm getting from my local gas station.
When I opened it this time nothing came out, not even a drop. Does it make sense I didn't have anything in there or did the drain not open after turning it. I figured the fuel filter separator would fill back up with fuel and something would come out. Is that not the case? I ever pushed the start button 5 times to let the fuel pump run.
Figured something would come out every time I opened it. Could there be air trapped or yellow **** broken?
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,384
Likes: 1,868
From: Frederick, MD
or the **** is not opened enough or you are clogged.
I would drop the filter and have a look at the fuel bowl and the yellow **** and the filter.
Inspect all and if everything is fine put it back.
I would drop the filter and have a look at the fuel bowl and the yellow **** and the filter.
Inspect all and if everything is fine put it back.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 100
Likes: 7
Drop the filter??? That means dropping the entire tank as the filter (separator) mounts from the top down.
The yellow drain plug needs to come down slightly on opening as there are 2 O-rings that need to release.
The yellow drain plug needs to come down slightly on opening as there are 2 O-rings that need to release.
Last edited by dsandfort; Oct 6, 2019 at 08:10 PM. Reason: deleted unknown text
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 100
Likes: 7
Well sum beach. Shows what I know. I just moved the separator to a new tank this weekend and had to go top down with the whole thing after dropping the old tank. Never even looked at the bottom of the unit.
To the OP, you should listen to folks who know what they are talking about.
To the OP, you should listen to folks who know what they are talking about.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 787
Likes: 73
From: Lansing MI
More than likely you just need to pull down slightly on the plug. Also of note, there is no need to drain 3 pints in order to check for water. With the truck off for for a few minutes, all you have to do it drain a few seconds worth. I normally put an inch or two in the bottom of an old pickle jar. The Diesel fuel will be yellow/green, and you look for clear water drops on the bottom. Diesel floats on water, so you only need a drain a bit out of the separator.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 767
Likes: 78
From: NC
The video of the fuel filter change. Hope you don't get those cross threaded putting them back on with an impact wrench. But what do I know. Here's a link, takes her less time (per video length), without using power tools. This is a job the dealer likes to charge way too much to do.
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Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Fredericksburg, TX
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 2,435
Likes: 732
From: Wisconsin
[QUOTE=2019er;18886852] This is a job the dealer likes to charge way too much to do.
LOL, can't blame the dealer............this is the job most people are willing to PAY the dealership to do.
LOL, can't blame the dealer............this is the job most people are willing to PAY the dealership to do.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 787
Likes: 73
From: Lansing MI
And this is the permanent fix:
Billet fuel drain
Billet fuel drain
Plastic to plastic, with (freezing) water involved by design, I'd rather have to replace the 4 dollar part. Plastic on Aluminium, when water setting down on that seal freezes, I'd be too concerned that something in that housing fails.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 19,711
Likes: 12,853
From: Wyoming
I paid the dealer to do the first fuel filter change. I was concerned about reported problems with the connectors on the upper fuel filter breaking. I was also pressed for time. I'll do the next fuel filter changes myself, now that it looks like the connectors are OK.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,541
Likes: 5
From: Weatherford Texas.
I think it is the middle line on the upper fuel filter, I just remove the line completely, both ends of the short line are accessible, and keeps from having to flex that one very stiff line.