draining HFCM question?

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Apr 16, 2008 | 06:30 PM

diesel_dan

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Joined: Jul 2004

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From: Foothills, CA

draining HFCM question?

I drained a bit of fuel out of the HFCM today for the 1st time -- no water and fuel is too dang expensive to let it drain for long! Question is: how tight is tight-enough on the drain plug? It came off really easy, and I just snugged it tight (Tech folder says NOT to overtighten). Still, would hate for it to back out at some unopportune time...

No room for a torque wrench in there either...

Thanks.....

Apr 16, 2008 | 07:11 PM

Diesel Smoker

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From: WI

Hand tight will be fine it seals with the o-ring not threads.

Apr 16, 2008 | 07:35 PM

diesel_dan

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From: Foothills, CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diesel Smoker

Hand tight will be fine it seals with the o-ring not threads.

Thanks, Man -- that's what I needed to hear...

Apr 16, 2008 | 09:24 PM

moebdick

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From: Nashville

After I drain my HFCM I pour most of it back in the tank, being careful to keep any water from pouring in. I save the rest in a jug for cleaning paint brushes and things.

Apr 17, 2008 | 07:01 AM

Herkmafia

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I use a two liter coke bottle (cleaned out) with the top cut out. Doesn't spill a drop, i can see any water or trash and I can pour it back in the tank easily by squeezing the top into shape.

Apr 18, 2008 | 04:05 PM

Foamy

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Joined: May 2007

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From: Pittsfield, MA

I also have a question/problem changing my fuel filter on my 2004 E450 RV.
In the tech files and all other sources I could find it shows this filter mounted horizontally to the body frame and it has a drain plug.
On my rig the filter is mounted vertically and has a knurled **** with a spiggot on the bottom as the draining device.
When I turn the drain **** fuel comes out, but it will not stop flowing. So I can't risk undoing the filter housing knowing that fuel will continue to run out. This would continue until the tank is empty I presume !!
Is there a way to shut off the fuel from the tank or has someone any other ideas on how to stop the fuel from running into the filter while I change it?
While I am here maybe someone could clarify that I have the proper filter.
My local Ford dealer tells me there are two types of filters for this vehicle, one for the truck and one for van ??
We "guessed" mine was a van so he sold me part# FD-4606 4C2Z-9N184-B4. This has a short, squat primary filter. The other version is taller and skinny??
Here is my VIN if it helps 1FDXE45P44HB02840

Apr 19, 2008 | 11:12 PM

fpd7

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Well, I can attempt to answer the first part.....You want to be sure your fuel tank is low, and the HFCM won't drain out for long.

If the tank is full, a lot runs out. It won't empty the tank, but about a pint or so. If the tank is full, it starts to run out and seems like it will never stop.

Just be sure the tank is low, like 1/4 tank or so, and you'll be fine.

At least, that's the experience with my F-250.

Hope this helps.