Water in Fuel

[Jerry J]

Anyone have some advice on what to do when you get bad fuel. I have changed the filter and filled up twice, drained the fuel filter via the valve several times but the truck will not run when I first start rolling, but after a block she is ok. However, now the water in fuel light remains on. Should I again replace the filter? Keep doing what I'm doing?

 

[BigDaddy]

Hey Jerry,

That Stinks.

Other than draining the fuel tank, you might want to try some HOWE'S. I use it religiously. Pretty good stuff #ad


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[B.G. Smith]

As noted above, there are additives for removing water. I have used some but can't remember the name(and a lot of other things) I think you will have better luck when you bleed the fuel filter if you just open the valve momentarily. If you leave it open long enough to drain the filter I think the fuel bleeds back to the tank too. If you need to bleed more than that, try having someone bump the starter(don't start engine but leave switch on) the transfer pump will run for about 20 seconds and you won't lose the prime to the filter while you drain. If the "water in fuel light" is still on I would look at the filter again.

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White 99 3500, QC, 3:55, auto. most options except leather, Line-X bed liner, fiberglass running boards Rancho 9000s, bug shield and window vents, black vented 5th wheel tailgate, 110 gal. aux. fuel tank.

 

[illflem]

Beware of water removal additives, they usually contain alcohol, very bad for your injection pump. I would drain the tank and toss the fuel. Water settles to the bottom, if you are so inclined you could skim the diesel off the top. Water in the fuel leads to the growth of diesel algae, something you really don't want. Deal with the problem ASAP.

 

[BigDaddy]

No Alcohol in Howes Diesel Treat #ad


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[Jerry J]

Great replys. A couple of questions I need to ask.
1. how do I grain the tank
2. where can I purchase Howe's. Does a major auto chain or store handle it?

 

[illflem]

Unfortunately there is no tank drain. You can siphon most of fuel out, but you must remove the large fill hose from the tank as there is a ball in it that prevents getting a hose past. The only way to drain the tank completely is to remove it and dump it out. No matter how you do it it's a hassle.

 

[Rambling]

Here's a site www.fuelpolishing.com/msg8.htm (selling something of course) but does discuss the possible down side of using additives to get rid of water.

I don't have their product but the discussion here could be of some value. One conclusion would be that draining the tank would be the better approach if there is more than just minor aborbtion of water in the fuel (diesel does this on its own as we all know). One might not want to run emulsified water(what most additives do) from a bad fuel source or a partially filled tank that sweated a lot through the fuel system.

Just a thought

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[This message has been edited by Rattlin (edited 04-01-2001). ]

 

[B.G. Smith]

Howes is the additive I used, bought it at WalMart. Sorry, but if anyone is afraid to run your truck with water in the tank you better get ready to spend some quality time under your Ram cause they all got some.

 

[DocStressor]

If you put in really wet fuel, you are going to have to drain the tank. Go to a marine store and get one of those pumps for changing oil that fit on an electric drill (~$30. 00). You will probably have to buy extra tubing at a hardware store in order to reach the bottom of the tank. Pump out all the fuel. Remember that the water is at the bottom of the tank and must be sucked out along with the gunk that probably came along with the water. Change your fuel filter and then try an additive if necessary. Do a good job because it doesn't take much water to ruin your fuel pump and injectors.

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