Fuel Filter Problems and Fixes

[mmherrick]

What a day! Changed oil yesterday and while I was under the truck I drained some of the fuel from the filter to check for water. Finished up the oil change and away I went.



This afternoon I noticed some suspicious yellow snow in the driveway this morning where I had parked last night.



A quick inspection led me to the fuel filter drain leaking. I tried to tighten it but to no avail, it was already as tight as I dare go. Hmmmm, maybe some dirt on one of the o-rings, took out the plug, cleaned it up, reoiled the rigs and put it back in, still leaked... ... .



Well, I guess I'll change the filter as I have a spare just riding around under the back seat.



Changed the filter using tips from the latest issue of TDR magazine, made sure to check the drain plug, good and tight.



Cranked it up and this one leaks too!



I said a few choice words, kicked some yellow snow around then took a 1/4 20 bolt, added some thread tape and ran it into the open end of the drain plug.



Problem fixed.



I'll never mess with that drain again between filter changes, I guess that is what the WIF sensor is for! Time to order another spare filter... ...



Enjoy,

 

[CSkal]

... yet another reason for "don't eat the yellow snow"... :-laf

 

[gsbrockman]

I'll never mess with that drain again between filter changes, I guess that is what the WIF sensor is for! Time to order another spare filter... ...

All the WIF light will indicate to you is that the possible damage is already done; you're on the right track for periodically draining the fuel filter. I typically do it every other fill*up just for preventitive measures.



Greg