Archived Check Engine Light and Draining the Fuel Filter

[69RoadRunner]

I just had to drain the fuel filter water separator to clear the check engine light. The owner's manual says to let it drain for a few seconds. I let it drain for about 10 seconds, and there was still fairly clear liquid draining.



This cleared the light, but should I drain it further? The truck has almost 7000 miles on it, and has the original filter. I'm about to head on vacation, and planned on changing the filter when I get back.



Should I change it now, or can I wait?

 

[LandShark]

Best way to drain the filter is to drain it into a clear (glass) jar. That way you can see how much water was in it, and see how much gunk was in the water.

Where are you getting your fuel? I haven't had the 'water in fuel' light come on in 175,000 miles. Maybe you are somehow getting rain water in the tank.

I would say you are good to go on your trip, with so few miles on the filter. If the suff you drained out was clear water your filter should still be good. In any case, buy a spare filter and keep it in the truck.

 

[PToombs]

Just a common sense thing from a mechanics point of view? Change the filter before you go. Then you know how bad it is/was, you know the filter is new, and you don't have to worry about it. Take an extra with you, a good precaution!

FYI, I change my filter each time I change the oil, about every 2 years, 3-4k miles. :-laf

 

[Alan Reagan]

Wipe off the water in fuel sensor when you change the filter. One thing that will cause the water is not keeping the tank full during wide temperature swings. Air taken into the tank has moisture and it will condense at night when the temperature falls, especially during winter months.

 

[69RoadRunner]

Well, I didn't change the filter, and we made it there and back fine.



The manual said that the water in fuel light should come on 3 times before the check engine light comes on. I never saw the water in fuel light.



The truck will sit for several days at a time, sometimes 10 days at a time. The tank isn't always full.



Thanks, I'll change the filter this week.

 

[B.G. Smith]

Might be a good iodea to check the vent hoses or lack therof on the tank. There should be a 1/4" hose attached to the fitting in the indentation on either end of the tank, on mine they just extend out to about the edge of the tank. Some of the early trucks with this tank didn't have the hoses and would siphon water from the indentations back into the tank, big problems. bg

 

[roperteacher]

I agree with all the above, Genos sells the premium filters for 14 bucks. I always carry a couple with me in the truck where ever I go! Takes about 10 minutes to change them out. I change them every 5,000 when I do the oil regardless!! Cheap Insurance!