Can you get a "petcock" valve to replace that cumbersome and sloppy hex head water drain on the filter under driver side on rail ?

 

I've thought about making one myself, but figured there must be a good reason not too, or someone else would have already designed one. Much later, I did read that if you put a valve on it, it will create a vacuum lock, preventing the water from draining.

Those hex-head plugs will strip very easily (not the threads on the plug itself, but the hex in the head), so you should look at replacing it the next time you drain the water. You can find the replacement in many different places, but here a link to one to give you an idea of what it is:

http://www.forddoctorsdts.com/articl...icle-05-19.php

People also claim it makes draining the water a much cleaner job.

 

How does a valve create a vacuum lock?

 

Went to Ford and got a new fuel filter plug (approximately $10). Drilled it out and tapped it for 1/8th pipe thread. Got a brass M/F 90° nipple and screwed the male end into the tapped plug hand tight using teflon tape to seal the joint. Got a 3" piece of brass pipe and screwed it into the female end. Got a 1/8th brass female union and screwed it on to the 3" pipe. Got a drain valve and screwed it into the union. Installed the plug and nipple into the filter drain hole and tightened the plug and nipple while turning the nipple. Installed the remainder of the assembly orienting the drain straight down. Now when I change my filter, I just reach under the X and open the drain. Works Great!

CAUTION: If you choose to do this orienting the drain straight down, be careful when using a vehicle lift. My drain hangs down right by a lift point and the lift pad can damage the drain assembly. That is the reason I chose BRASS for all components. I have not had this happen but have been close.

For those who off road I would not suggest using this drain valve since rocks, tree limbs, etc. could break the drain assembly off then you would be screwed. A shorter length of pipe can be used if you really want to do this. I chose 3" because it made the drain easy to reach.

Total cost for everything is apporximately $20.

I have pictures if someone would post them for me.


DSMMH

 

Just set up a gallery tech file and up load the pics for us to see.

 

I don't know, I didn't try it myself. But when you screw something into a hole, you have reduced the diameter of it, and others have said they ended up with a vacuum lock. But, DSMMH was able to get it working, so maybe it's worth it to give it a try. It really isn't that big of a deal to keep using the modified plug I purchased. I managed to drain 1/2 liter of water the last time, and didn't get a drop on me or the ground (and that was using the factory plug). I cut a 2-liter Coke bottle in half, since it is flexible enough to push up under the unit.

 

I don't know the part no. off hand, but you can put an LCF drain **** in place of the drain plug on an F-Series. 6C7Z-9C082-A should be the part no. from Ford.

 

Correct me if I'm wrong here guys, but the thread on the plugs are o-ring boss are they not? If so you do this without drilling and tapping. The bigger the hole the quicker it will drain and more trash it will let out. I'll look into this this week when I swing by the hydraulic shop for fittings.

On edit, I would recommend keeping the entire setup as short and as light as possible for ridigity purposes. If not it will break sooner or later.