I know - read the manual for WIF draining :)

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Feb 2, 2013 | 06:30 AM

jdadamsjr

Thread Starter

Post Fiend

Joined: Oct 2002

Posts: 11,314

Likes: 4

I know - read the manual for WIF draining :)

but sometimes it's too cryptic or assumes too much, and would rather it come from real world folks anyway, not lawyered up engineers - so I ask the gurus here...

what do you do to drain your water separator ?
and how often ?

speak as to a child, so even I can understand...

1) put on old clothes cuz it's going to spray all over ?
2) warm up truck ?
3) cut water hose into 3 foot link with funnel ?
4) etc......

do I even need to unless the WIF light comes on ?
do I need a catch pan or just a drain hose ?
do I warm up the truck ?
do I drain until it stops flowing (my ex's would drain ALL day if I let them)

thanks in advance !

Feb 2, 2013 | 06:59 AM

bigtwinharley

Junior User

Joined: Aug 2011

Posts: 63

Likes: 0

From: Indiana

I drain mine once a month. Just get a glass jar I use a mason jar open the valve up I let it flow about a third of the jar close the valve let it sit and see if you see any water in the jar. Remember that diesel fuel is heavier then water so the water (if you have any in your fuel) will be at the bottom of the jar.

The first time I did mine no water was in it. So after that first time I added some water to the jar so I could see what it would look like so I would know in case I ever did see water in the jar from that point on.

Feb 2, 2013 | 07:18 AM

bnmccoy

Elder User

Joined: Aug 2004

Posts: 932

Likes: 4

From: Edmond, OK

I drain it monthly and log it in my fuel log; only other reason to drain would be if the WIF, water in fuel, message was displayed on dash (which I have yet to have happen).

Usually happens in my driveway, no particular fuel level, usually my everyday clothes. I use a clear 16 oz empty soda bottle that I have cut most of the top off at an angle. Could probably cut square but the angle cut is from previous trucks that drained out the side rather than straight down.

I crawl under the truck (truck is off and not running; if you open the drain with it running you will introduce air into fuel system; ditto, if you don't get the drain properly tightened when done). I first just break loose the drain, then position my bottle under same, then continue opening valve till I see the o-ring or have a good flow of fuel.

How long is from the manual which I pasted below. I usually do 25 seconds and fuel comes out clear to begin with.

"Rotate the drain counterclockwise until the O-ring is visible. Allow the DFCM to drain for approximately 25 seconds or until clean fuel is observed."

Once I close the drain valve; I usually turn the key on for 30 seconds (with out starting) and then turn the key off. I do this six times just as if I had changed the filters. This isn't in the factory procedure for draining the DFCM but it is the same procedure for when you change the filters. I want to insure there is no air in the fuel. I figure air is not a good lubricator for the high pressure fuel pump (even if the air is suppose to get automatically bled.....).

I inspect the bottle for water and usually there is nothing. I think I found maybe a drop or two the very first time I drained it after delivery. With my 08 I only found water after I quit driving it regularly and let it set for a long period with less than a half tank of fuel. I now try to keep the tank full to avoid any space for air to drop out moisture if I am not going to be driving daily. I also try to fill-up before going below 1/4 tank since Ford's in tank check-valve scheme may allow the pump to suck some air.

Bob

Feb 2, 2013 | 08:46 AM

rob92761

Mountain Pass

Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 197

Likes: 2

From: Onalaska WI

bigtwinharley Remember that diesel fuel is heavier then water so the water (if you have any in your fuel) will be at the bottom of the jar.

All Fuel is lighter than water that’s why oil floats on top and water sinks
I know you just mixed up LOL

Feb 2, 2013 | 09:40 AM

marchare011

Posting Guru

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 1,783

Likes: 1

From: WY

I use an old DEF jug with the flex hose attached. It fits nicely under my dually and there is a little bit of pressure on the flex hose so it stays in contact with the drain on the DFCM. Of course I rinsed it out real well prior to using. I drain about a quart of diesel once a month. Never have seen any water. Makes me think they put an additive in the fuel at the refinery that disperses water rather than separates it. I can't believe I have never found ANY water in over 2 1/2 years. Then I use the waste fuel in my shop heater.