Hi,

l’ve had my 2019 F350 6.7 for about a month. Based on what I’ve read, I decided to drain the water separator. I read the manual carefully and used no tools. I turned the drain plug ccw, although it was a little hard to move it. When I went to close the valve, it came off in my hand! I was able to push/twist it back on to stop the flow of fuel. Now it won’t drain. Yes, I did reprime the fuel system.

Has anyone else had this happen? It’s there an aftermarket part to replace the cheap piece of plastic they call a drain valve?

I can still drain by removing the plug, but this doesn’t seem like it will be good long term. It’s currently on pretty securely and not leaking. Local ford dealer won’t even take a look at it for 2 weeks, even though it would take the tech 5 min to figure out what part to order. I hope this is not a sign of things to come.

 

SPE makes a billet aluminum replacement valve.

 

Experiences like yours are why I bought a couple extra OEM plugs and keep them under the back seat.

There is a counter argument to using the metal drain plug that says that breaking the plug is a lot less expensive than breaking the filter housing. It isn't clear how likely it is that the housing would break, but it seems unlikely to me. Also, those metal plugs aren't cheap.

 

I keep a spare in the glove box as well.

 

good part number for the parts bag

 

I found a YouTube video showing the typical failure mode for that yellow drain valve. I found OEM replacements on Dieselfilters.com. Ordered 3. They are cheap insurance. Next time I’m going to drain the entire filter reservoir so I can get a good look at how it all goes together without diesel squirting in my eye 😀

 

anyone happen to have the part number handy? I'm coming up on my next change and want to get a couple.

 

[HC3Z-9J305-A]2017-18 Ford fuel filter housing drain plug

SKU: HC3Z-9J305-A

 

Strange,been doing this monthly for 7 years and still original drain plug. Luck I guess.

 

Different style drain plug on the 2017+ might be the reason.

 

Can you just replace the cap without taking the filter down like he did in the video? Looks like it just presses in and you turn it? You'll prob lose a few ounces of fuel Im guessing.

 

from the video I think there are a couple of small ‘ears’ on the plug that have to align to slots on the filter housing. Then you push it in and turn it. When mine came off in my hand I had diesel fuel overflowing the quart jar and didn’t take time to look it over carefully. Then knocked over the quart jar in the process of getting the plug in😳. Now I need to take a hot bucket of water/dawn to the driveway.

 

dang, that sucks!

So how does the fuel stop when you remove the filter housing? Is it similar to a filter in a refrigerator where water doesn't pass through unless the filter is engaged?

 

ive not done that yet but I believe the fuel will stop draining when the filter housing is empty. (1/2 gal or so?).
But the fuel filler cap needs to be on to prevent creating a siphon that will drain the fuel tank if you let it. Disclaimer: I have yet to get to the point of completely emptying the filter housing, so I recommend that you look at your owners manual to verify the part about the fuel filler cap.... but that’s my recollection.

also when you’re finished, you have to turn the truck on (not start he engine) to refill that filter, or you’ll have air headed to the hpfp.

 

Coming from the 6.0 life and now a 2017 F350, I watched one youtube video that worked out well and since for monthly drain intervals - for filter change, open yellow drain and then change topside filter assembly in engine bay; you should have dripping to no flow from lower yellow drain plug by now, remove lower filter housing and replace filter/water membrane. Once fuel system is buttoned up, cycle the key 4-6 times (KOEO), to purge air from system and then crank/inspect for leaks.
Monthly drain intervals - i let drain until flow stops. Maybe wasteful from other suggestions of let flow 20-30 secs, but gives piece of mind and so far, no issues. - Will