Water Seperator Draining

[HParfitt]

Hi,

Just wondering how often you drain the water from the seperator? Not sure how it actually works. I assume the water just falls to the bottom of the canister? How does the WIF work? How would you know if the WIF sensor failed?

 

[nickleinonen]

Hi,

Just wondering how often you drain the water from the seperator? Not sure how it actually works. I assume the water just falls to the bottom of the canister? How does the WIF work? How would you know if the WIF sensor failed?

the frequency you drain is up to you and your fuel quality in your area

i drain mine once every 2-4 months. never a drop of water yet. .



water is heavier than fuel. it sits at the bottom of the fuel filter canister. the stand pipe in the center picks up fuel about 2/3'rd the way up the housing.



water in fuel sensor gets a completed circuit by the water across the terminals.

i suppose you could test it by pouring some tap water in the filter housing when you do a change out and see if the light comes on when you flip the key to run [lift pump might run so that should be unplugged]. i rather not do that, and just hope/assume it works. .

 

[Troll]

I suppose if you are really curious you could also try shorting the terminals with a jumper wire, reinstall the bowl and turn the key on. At least theres no need to worry about actually contaminating anything. I do mine every now and again, and its usually after getting fuel from my non-normal places, just to check. I've never actually found anything.

 

[GWBourne]

even when my WIF light and a ton of other codes went off i didnt have water in my fuel. i drain mine every time i change the filter and i drain it into a masson jar.



you can check for water by creating a vortex in the jar. we use this method on aircraft as well. works very well.

 

[DPKetchum]

Drain some every fill up just about. Have been doing this on diesels(tractors and what not)for years. Just habit. I find water in my tractor(same fuel,closed system)every time and did on my 1993 W250 almost every time. I don't really look on the 03 I just do it as the tank is filling.

 

[BillDriscoll]

I had 130K miles on my 98. 5 24v and never used the WIF drain, except for fuel filter changes, I have 22K on my 05 and havent drained it except for fuel filter changes, every 7Kmi.



Never seen a drop of water in either truck, nor a warning light!! Of course Im in FL, but it may be an issue in colder weather.



BillD

Pensacola FL

 

[steved]

I drain my FASS every other fuel fillup.



I get a few beads of water out every now and again...



steved

 

[gsbrockman]

Hi,

Just wondering how often you drain the water from the seperator?

I typically drain mine some about every other fill-up.



Greg