Fuel/Water Drain

[TFerring]

Ok... . stupid question!!! I'm a newbie so bear with me... ..... I have been opening the fuel/water drain on the fuel water separator every other time I fill up. I get quite a bit a fluid draining from the separator... ... . It smells like diesel fuel, does not have the same color or thickness of diesel fuel... . So is this diesel fuel I'm draining or is it water... ... . Will the drain, allow only water or water and diesel fuel drain? Should I open it up and just let it drain... . I don't know how this could be water. I fill up at the same station every time. It is a truck stop, so I assume that the fuel is pretty fresh, they seem to have alot of Semi traffic. So if someone could help me out and not laugh too hard!



Thanks

 

[gonzo2]

Most likely you are draining diesel fuel.

The drain itself does not distinguish between water and fuel. The filter separates the water so it will drain out first. I usually just look at it and as soon as diesel is coming out (which is right away most of the time) I shut it off.

I think to really get a build up you need a bad load of fuel.



The valve is also a good way to drain the filter before change.

 

[CAgnoli]

WHOA!... ... I too am a newbie, and wasn't even aware of this. Is this something I should do regularly? I read that if the Water in Fuel indicator comes on don't drive the truck, I assumed that this is the time to drain? Not so???



Thanks

Chris

 

[rbattelle]

I open mine every once in awhile, when I think of it. Maybe once every 8-10 fillups. My water-in-fuel light has never come on... I just open it for peace of mind or curiosity. I do think it's worth it to open maybe once every few months at least, just to keep the valve free flowing and ensure any water that might have built up is evacuated.

 

[EEngel]

Drain

I'm in the same shape as rbattelle, I drain mine every 7-8 fills. And as stated, it will drain your fuel as well as the stored water.



You may need to open and close it a few times to get the flow started.

 

[milehigh.o.]

I was always told that you get a lot of build up in the months when there is a change in tempatures like spring/fall time. Also try and keep your tank 1/2 or better full when parking outside in the winter if you live where it gets really cold. I have only had my light come on once and that was in the winter time and was unable to park in the garage. I tend to drain during these condition. On the new 04. 5 I have, I just drained the other day with 4k miles on it and there was barely anything in there. Course it is spring time w/ weather change but I keep it in the garage. No as far as the gas stations go, we can all hope they don't give us bad fuel.