Really, How Often Do You Drain Fuel Filter?

[JDeMont]

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Gang:



There was a message a few days or weeks back about this where the poster cited the Owners Manual requiring this activity quite frequently.



I finally trotted out my manual (2004. 5) and re-read on page 334, "Drain a small amount from the fuel/water separator filter periodically or when WATER IN FUEL indicator lamp is on. " Then I looked at the lower left corner of the inside cover of the Maintenance Log Book. It reads "At Each Stop for Fuel Drain water from fuel filter".



The scenario from the Owner's Manual sure fits my southern mindset of "fixin to get ready" a lot more than every time I fuel up. I just can't see me carying a ladder or stool and running a bit of fuel on the filling station apron.



Sage advice and outrageous opinions appreciated.



Jim D. / Medford, OR.



Dam Nice Truck: 2004. 5 White Laramie 2WD Dually 6 Spd. Pac Brake.

No Guages - Too Much Information.

 

[macdaddy]

J DE

I haven't drained mine on the 05 yet!!. I used to drain my 99 every fuel stop. I have to tell you I never got any water out of it so I gave up draining it. The only thing I can say is to make sure to buy fuel at a fuel stop that is constantly being refueled "moves alot of fuel' such as truck stops. If you live in the north west and its the rainy season, or at least raining more thn usual then check every other tank or so.



I travel from So Ca to Mount Vernon Wa several times per year and if we're getting quite a bit of rain I will drain a little every other fill up. The way I tell is to look at it when it hits the ground it will hit and immediately spread out where as water will bounce and bead up. In fact we're leaving in the morning for Mount Vernon for Xmas look for me out on I-5.



05 3500 4X4 Laramie DRW 325/610 AFE 6 spd 4:10's new on 10/30/04.

Sold 99 3500 4X4 SLT Laramie DRW ATS trans w/VB TC Comander AFE Auto Meter and the ol 53 under the hood thats why shes gone :{

 

[DPKetchum]

Almost every time I turn off to fill up. Just a habit. I did on my 93 W250 also. Just a trickle.

 

[JSchutz]

I drain mine every 15,000 miles when I change the fuel filter. Maybe relying on the "water-in-fuel" light is foolish but I've never had a problem I've never seen another diesel driver drain theirs at a fuel up either. Jeff

 

[RT66DOC]

I'll drain mine whenever the water in fuel light comes on. It's never come on since I picked the truck up new in '96. 112k miles - runs good.

 

[rbattelle]

I used to drain mine every fillup. Never got any water from it, so I stopped. Now I drain it a little bit about once per quarter.



-Ryan

 

[phloop]

Your supposed to drain the water out of the fuel filter? With the fuel filters being so cheap, I've been changing mine about every other time I change the oil and filter. Still ends up being cheaper than just an oil change on my old PSD. :-laf

 

[Tony T.]

Drain mine every so often in between actual fuel filter change at 10K ,never have seen any water or the light come on.



Tony

 

[OCarney]

Drain mine @ fuel filter change every 10k. No problems so far.

 

[Buffalo]

This is an interesting thread!

I've been thinking about starting to use a fuel additive in my trucks. My main concern was the lubricity issue. But, most of these additives address "water in fuel" issues, also. Basically, it seems like they adress it in two ways. Demulsifying, or separating the water by clumping the droplets together so they settle at the bottom of the tank or fuel filter bowl, in a puddle. Or, Emulsifying, which, incorporates the water into tiny molocules, encompassing them in a lubricant and then passing them through the fuel system and injectors. The way they handle water SEEMS to be the big difference in the different products.

Since "water in fuel" seems to be a major issue I started wondering how many of us really have a problem, with it. Seems like not too many!

I have had a Dodge/Cummins since '91 and have never had my "water in fuel light" come on. I've only drained the '91 a couple of times. Never any water. But, then I live in the dry desert. I, often, wondered about You guys in the humid southeast and the midwest. Doesn't seem like You are having too many issues, either.

In talking with the additive manufacturers and distributors, I get the feeling that the people having the majority of "water in fuel" problems are the ones who have the large storage tanks where fuel can sit for a long time before it's used.

Since "water in fuel" doesn't seem to be that big of an issue, maybe, concern over lubricity, detergent, cetane and winter handling of fuel should be more important. Definately, be careful not to use an emulsifier that has alcohol in it, though. Alcohol is a bad thing!

Thanks for Your replies. It's interesting to see Your experiences, from around the country.

Joe F. (Buffalo)

 

[bkaiser]

I've gotten in the habit of draining a little fuel at each oil change. The catch pan is out, I'm already dirty, the hood is up, etc, etc, etc. Never have had anything but clean fuel out the tube.

 

[nickleinonen]

The catch pan is out, I'm already dirty, the hood is up, etc, etc, etc

it's just great when it dribbles down the side of the front diff and most of it misses the pan i need to extend that hose some 8"-12" for easy access

 

[DPKetchum]

Well at the D. C. dealer were I worked had lots come in with the water in fuel lights on. Some had almost a 1/2 cup in them. Changed filter on my 93 and on the way to Nebreska had water in fuel light come on. Saw some hit the ground with the fuel when I opened it. Diesel fuel I thought had some mositure in it. Most all tractors and diesel equipment have drains. I've ALWAYS drained some at most every fillup on THEIR payment. I always find some water with minor grit in my 2000 New Holland tractor, buy fuel same place most of the time for truck and tractor. Thought that was the REASON a drain was put there to start with. I will change fuel filters. every 12 to 15k. Only have 14k now,same filter.

 

[Tony T.]

it's just great when it dribbles down the side of the front diff and most of it misses the pan i need to extend that hose some 8"-12" for easy access

Nick I just use a 2 liter pop bottle, slide the drain hose in an it rest on top of axle housing, no mess what so ever. Oo.



Tony

 

[Kennywould]

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Gang:

I'm with a few of the others, drain it with filter change, never had a water in fuel lite come on but I buy my fuel only at select stations

 

[realsquash]

Everyone should drain a quart of fuel out of their modern, fuel-efficient, low-emmisions 2003+ Cummins at each refueling stop! Come on now you know if that light never came on before it will after this thread!



How in the heck do they get away with putting something like that in the manual? It makes a huge mess at the pumps and it gives the environazis another reason to hate these things.



Andy

 

[mbadger]

I had a 96 and never drained the filter as I never got a message that I had water. I have a 4. 5 now and as far as I know I will do the same.



Mike

 

[lschultz]

I drained it a couple times when I got my first one in 91 never got any water and have not drained it on the other ones since my first. I change the filter every 10000 miles. Depending on on what part of the country you live in and where you get your fuel it could make a difference.

 

[DPKetchum]

Well on my old 93 always got a little bit of water when changing filter and I drained it a little every fillup. theres always a little in my New Holland tractor(its got a sight glass). as I sated before I thought diesel fuel inheritly had some moisture in it and that was the reason for the drain to start with.