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Ok guys so I am new to the forum and looking for some answers. So I have a 2018 F-250 Powerstroke. I changed the fuel filters today for the first time. I started out by opening the plug and draining the water separator. While that was draining I changed the top filter. The water separator was still draining after I finished the top filter. I was under the impression that the water separator would drain until it was empty. But after it drained 2 gallons of fuel I figured something wasnt right. I then closed the plug and proceeded to changed the filter. When unscrewing the bolts more fuel started coming out and as I pulled the filter down, fuel went EVERYWHERE. I put the new filter in place and bolted everything back up. So what did I do wrong? From the research I've done the water separator should have drained dry and I shouldn't have had that big of a mess? Any help would be appreciated.
You have to drain the water separator first, when it stops, then the lower filter, then the upper filter. Some of the older units, they continue to drain the whole tank. So for best results, fuel tank should be below 1/4, preferably less, release pressure in the tank by opening the fuel cap, then close the cap. Then drain the separator. There is lots on this issue in the forums, but I thought it’s more the 2917s than the later model years.
Thank you guys for the help. "Mhoefer" I will definitely try it in that order next time.
so it’s really I mean REALLY stupid but sometimes if you open the water separated drain and let it go it’ll drain the tank
I work at a dealer and we find we don’t have to drain it first just unplug the sensor and unscrew the housing
clean thoroughly and that’s it
For sure David, that’s an option, but when in the driveway, even just wanting to drain the separator and check for water, it’s best to do before filling up for me. Just to damn much fuel wasted.
Going to bump this old thread, I dont see a reason to create a new one. But I was wondering something... Ive seen some lower filters changed out and that black housing that comes off the truck ( where the water separater drain is, it seems if gunk builds up in that lower black housing piece... Is there something we can use to clean it out? Or just wipe it out and leave it?