HFCM Drain
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Senior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 234
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From: Gloucester, Virginia
HFCM Drain
I have searched to no avail. Yes, it is hard to do the drain on the 4x4 version. Is anyone draining the HFCM WITHOUT jacking up the truck? I've tried to get one of those flip out allen wrench tools in there but it is too long. I've put 10,000 miles on the truck since I bought it without draining because of the trouble in doing so. No light, thankfully.
Can I do it without jacking? What tool is recommended for getting in there?
Thanks.
Can I do it without jacking? What tool is recommended for getting in there?
Thanks.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,203
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From: Carlsbad, California
Same for me. I have a regular L-shaped hex wrench, same as beemr above. Has enough clearanace to fit right in there.
I loosen the plug a bit and then hold a large drain pain up under the HFCM while I loosen the plug the rest of the way. Just let it drop in to the pan and wait until the fuel stops coming out - 2/3s of a pint or so.
I keep a box of latex gloves in the garage for working on the bikes and cars/trucks, etc. Put on a set of them and was able to do the job without smelling of diesel the rest of the morning.
I loosen the plug a bit and then hold a large drain pain up under the HFCM while I loosen the plug the rest of the way. Just let it drop in to the pan and wait until the fuel stops coming out - 2/3s of a pint or so.
I keep a box of latex gloves in the garage for working on the bikes and cars/trucks, etc. Put on a set of them and was able to do the job without smelling of diesel the rest of the morning.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,203
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From: Carlsbad, California
I don't think so. On my truck the plug is alongside the driveshaft itself and not next to the U-joints. Turning the rear tires wouldn't help.
Turning the front won't either as the HFCM is located on the inside of the frame under the drivers door.
Turning the front won't either as the HFCM is located on the inside of the frame under the drivers door.
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Senior User
Joined: May 2004
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From: Gloucester, Virginia
DOH! "L" shaped allen wrench. Sometimes the obvious just blows right by me. I might even already have one of those. You guys are great!
Reid
Reid
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From: Los Lunas,NM
Normal size L-shape 6mm allen wrench works just fine. I changed my fuel filters as per the tech folder instructions, however, I had let the truck set overnite in the driveway which has a slight incline, I did'nt start it or turn on the key to initiate the fuel pump, and by doing it this way I had very little diesel fuel mess. Also I had run the fuel tank down to about 1/8th of a tank. And followed the instructions to the letter.(TechFolder)
Tim, If someone else could corroborate my findings, on not starting the vehicle overnite or for x amount of hours to let the fuel go to where ever and reduce the mess of the lower fuel filter change, you might concider adding this info to your TechFolder? Just a thought.
Waynerb
Tim, If someone else could corroborate my findings, on not starting the vehicle overnite or for x amount of hours to let the fuel go to where ever and reduce the mess of the lower fuel filter change, you might concider adding this info to your TechFolder? Just a thought.
Waynerb
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I use the L shape allen with the ball end, this lets you break the plug loose from the bottom with the short end then use the ball end on top of drive shaft. This way your hands are above the draining fuel, I do it this way and get no fuel on me.
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Joined: Jan 2003
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From: 3rd Rock
Originally Posted by waynerb
Normal size L-shape 6mm allen wrench works just fine. I changed my fuel filters as per the tech folder instructions, however, I had let the truck set overnite in the driveway which has a slight incline, I did'nt start it or turn on the key to initiate the fuel pump, and by doing it this way I had very little diesel fuel mess. Also I had run the fuel tank down to about 1/8th of a tank. And followed the instructions to the letter.(TechFolder)
Tim, If someone else could corroborate my findings, on not starting the vehicle overnite or for x amount of hours to let the fuel go to where ever and reduce the mess of the lower fuel filter change, you might concider adding this info to your TechFolder? Just a thought.
Waynerb
Tim, If someone else could corroborate my findings, on not starting the vehicle overnite or for x amount of hours to let the fuel go to where ever and reduce the mess of the lower fuel filter change, you might concider adding this info to your TechFolder? Just a thought.
Waynerb
is our Ginny…O-I mean Matt
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Senior User
Joined: May 2004
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From: Gloucester, Virginia
Thanks, guys! "L" shaped Allen wrench did the trick. Put her on slight incline (almost none really), got the wrench in there and she opened right up. Drain for several seconds then pretty much petered out. Had a couple of ***** of water under the diesel and a good amount of debris. Went well, though. Very easy. I think I was down to a half tank of fuel. That filter looks like it's going to be hard, though.
Reid
Reid
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Los Lunas,NM
Originally Posted by Lnd Svyr
Thanks, guys! "L" shaped Allen wrench did the trick. Put her on slight incline (almost none really), got the wrench in there and she opened right up. Drain for several seconds then pretty much petered out. Had a couple of ***** of water under the diesel and a good amount of debris. Went well, though. Very easy. I think I was down to a half tank of fuel. That filter looks like it's going to be hard, though.
Reid
Reid
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Joined: Aug 2001
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From: Georgia
I bought an extra long "L" shaped allen wrench with the ball end on the long side. use the short side to break loose and re-tighten. the long end will reach over the drive shaft. No jacking needed. Mac tools about $1 I use an old bread baking pan to catch the fuel. I have read that a cut down 2 liter bottle works well.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Central Texas
Well, I wrote the prodedure in the .........Tech Folder........... Little did I know it would be a problem not to mention that it is an "L" shaped 6mm Allen wrench to take out the fuel/water separator plug. I have the 4x4 and do not jack it up. I don't get a diesel bath. I did the first time but not after that. What am I doing wrong? 