On my 06 Harley 350 the center dash control panel keeps saying water in fuel. I've loosened the 6mm plug and let some fuel drain out then close it up. I did a filter replacement 3 months ago I don't want to spend any money on a new filter as my new Ford build date is 7/26. But I don't want any hassle from the guy who wants to buy my truck either. How long should I leave this drain open ? the truck is running fine I just reset the light every time I start it. Can't wait for the new truck no diesel this time around.

 

Got my 2011 last week, just read about that. It says leave the valve open until you get pure fuel coming out and then close it. That's totally subjective to know you're draining fuel water mix or pure fuel I guess. I can't wait to throw away money knowing for sure I got all the water out. I guess best thing is to do it very well lit so you could see the difference too maybe.

 

I just do this with 1/4 tank of fuel only. When it stops draining fully, close it back up. About a quart will come out.

 

I agree with Tennessee. Just open and drain it all. You will get less that a quart. Atleast you will know you got it all out, and only cost you about .75 in fuel.

 

Those "water in fuel" sensors can be finicky.

Mine kept coming on even after I'd replaced the fuel filter and drained it more than a couple of times.

Finally someone turned me on to that the cavity in there can get quite filled up with junk.

So, here's what you do....

Park facing downhill so that when you remove the plug and the majority of fuel in the unit drains out (a few cups), a small trickle will continue to flow.

Next you'll need a long, large Q-Tip swab. These look like giant q-tips, about 8" long with a cotton swab at the end the size of a marble. Any doctors office will have them and will be glad to give your a few. You may need more than a couple.


With the plug out and the fuel trickling out, reach inside with the swab and pull out any debris. You'd be surprised at how much junk builds up inside of there, and what comes out with the swab, even though you had clean fuel on your previous tries. I had to use three swabs before it was clean.

My "water in fuel" indicator continued to come on for a few days after that, but eventually went out. Those sensors are just finicky.

The only other "immediate relief" option is to pull the sensor out of the unit and clean it or replace it, not horribly difficult, but not as easy as trying the cleaning method first.

TX

 

I don't want to go over board on this today my water in fuel light didn't come on at all. Yesterday I put 8oz of fuel conditioner + Cetain in the tank maybe that did something. I won't mess with it as long as the light stays out, my new truck will hopefully get to me soon the build date is today

 

The little sensors are crap, get all rusted up. Takes $10-$15 to pop a new one in. New ones come from ford with directions. I replaced 2 in my '06 F350. No problems now, my new 6.2L seems to work fine!!! ;o)

 

A short recap of the steps would be great. If they're that easy, I'm on it!

 

Tell me about the new 6.2 thats the motor I ordered . Can't wait to get it

 

Well, you won't have to worry about that....just the muffler bearing carrier from what I've read...Expect to replace that every 10000 miles or so...

 

Is it positioned to close to ? what goes bad on it?

 

They just wear out...only the DIESELS have the fuel/water separator which prevents that anomaly.

 

Where did you read about those any where on this forum so I can check that out

 

Sensor on front of HFCM ( or whatever the acronym is). Drain fuel out the side drain plug. Disconnect sensor wire that goes to the sensor on the leading end of the HFCM (end opposite where you install fuel filter.

Reach in and twist the sensor about 45deg or so with pliers, this will pop off a coupla plastic tabs. Yank it out.

Get new sensor outta bag. Push in without twisting. tap with small hammer till it seats. Reconnect sensor wire.

If you are really motiviated, you can clean out sensor hole area with qtip. But it is the two wires on the sensor that get covered with swarf and rust and goo.

Expect to stink more than normal for a few days if you drip diesel on your head