Draining Water Separator..Info Please
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New User
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18
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Draining Water Separator..Info Please
I have a few questions about the water separator that you are supposed to drain monthly. I am now at the first monthly drain time. I got under the truck and found the drain and the yellow lever. When I pull the lever I assume water/fuel will drain out. How long do I let this drain? Will I be able to tell when the water (if any) has drained out and am then only draining fuel? Anything else I need to know?
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 559
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From: CT
I usually drain about 1-2 oz. I use a clear oil measuring cup for mixing 2 stroke gas. If there is water in the filter you will see 'bubbles' moving around the bottom of the container. I talked to a friend at work who never touched his in 3 yrs, saying that the sensor will warn him. I told him that I was getting about 1 teaspoon/1000 miles(about 1 month of time for me). He told me to change where I was buying my fuel, which I did. No more water when I checked so I stopped draining.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,521
Likes: 11
From: Greenwood, SC
I use an empty water bottle so I can inspect. Drain regularly as I buy fuel all over the southeast.
My last drain had a little water and a little tea color to it. I had been 15,000 since my last fuel filter change and decided I better do it ASAP, so I did.
It's a good thing to inspect your fuel once/month. I also usually run my tank to an extreme emptiness to try to get all the bad stuff in the separator once in a while.
If you search the 6.4 forums you will find some real bad stories about dirty fuel making its way to the high pressure filter/rails. For example, read this one:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...tor-fails.html
My last drain had a little water and a little tea color to it. I had been 15,000 since my last fuel filter change and decided I better do it ASAP, so I did.
It's a good thing to inspect your fuel once/month. I also usually run my tank to an extreme emptiness to try to get all the bad stuff in the separator once in a while.
If you search the 6.4 forums you will find some real bad stories about dirty fuel making its way to the high pressure filter/rails. For example, read this one:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...tor-fails.html
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 81
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From: Memphis, TN
Draining Water Separator..Info Please
I have not had to drain much, just a couple of ounces or so. You can see the water in the fuel if there is any.
I went to the local auto parts store and got rubber hose about 6" long and slipped it up over the end of the drain to get it away from the frame more and make it easier to catch.
Cass
I went to the local auto parts store and got rubber hose about 6" long and slipped it up over the end of the drain to get it away from the frame more and make it easier to catch.
Cass
New User
Joined: Apr 2009
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I went the first 3 months without ever doing it because the indicator never alerted me. I finally drained it completely after 3 months, and it wasn't more than 4-6 ounces before it was completely empty. Used a glass measuring cup to get a good look at it. One droplet of water (about the size of a BB) at the bottom of the glass. I'll drain it again (for the second time) tomorrow and let you know what I find. Since Diesel #2 is not available in different grades (Reg, Plus, Prem) I stick with Shell and Chevron as my sources. (I honestly have no idea if that helps or not)
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,521
Likes: 11
From: Greenwood, SC
Funny username ******. My psd invokes similar manlike chest pounding thoughts for me too.
I went for a long time without draining the separator until I read several posts about water/dirt making its way into the high pressure side of the fuel system. Evidently it just ruins everything. Second only to gelling in the lines.
I can burn anywhere from 6 to 10 tanks of fuel in a week so I figure with that kind of volume its better to be safe. I also use Shell a lot, BP, Flying J and Pilot when I am on the road. I don't think anybody here would like to say "don't worry about it, just drain it when the truck tells you to" 'cause it has really messed up some of these 6.4's.
Have fun on these forums.
I went for a long time without draining the separator until I read several posts about water/dirt making its way into the high pressure side of the fuel system. Evidently it just ruins everything. Second only to gelling in the lines.
I can burn anywhere from 6 to 10 tanks of fuel in a week so I figure with that kind of volume its better to be safe. I also use Shell a lot, BP, Flying J and Pilot when I am on the road. I don't think anybody here would like to say "don't worry about it, just drain it when the truck tells you to" 'cause it has really messed up some of these 6.4's.
Have fun on these forums.
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 40
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I checked mine after having the truck approximately 4 months and nothing. It looked fine. I will probably rely on the sensor being I buy diesel at a station with heavy turnover. 
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