Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Why no water in fuel?

[JCoffey]

I'm a newbie to the diesel so please bear with me. I have a 2002 with approx 18,000 miles on it. I use the little lever on the fuel filter canister every 2 to 3 fill-ups to drain the water like the manual says to, except I have never gotten any water out of it. I can't possibly be getting that good of fuel all the time can I? I fuel up at a number of different places around Texas and New Mexico as I drive around 1,000 miles per week. I have had the filter changed twice so far. Once at the dealer and once at the quick lube that does my oil. I supply my own filters ( from Geno's). My question is once the water has drained shouldn't fuel drain out so as to drain the filter canister. I pulled the drain hose off earlier this afternoon to see it was plugged or something. It was ok. While the hose was off I moved the lever and had it open for a couple of minutes. Nothing comes out. What gives? I have never had the water in fuel light come on I am just wandering what's up as it does not operate like I think it should. Any ideas? Am I missing something? Sorry this was so long. Thanks for the help. Other than this I love my CTD and this site.

 

[Whitmore]

On my filter drain sometimes it wont come out either so I fiddle with it a bit and I can get fuel out of it, another hint when you are done is to make sure it closes as some members have reported it spewing while driving.



Also this time of year there will not be any water under normal circumstances, when it gets cold and warm back and forth is when you may form condensate on the vapor space of your tank, kinda like your windshield, this is why it is a good practice to keep the tank full in the winter months :{ ... ... ... ... ... ... ..... Kevin

 

[csevers]

what he said

There has never been any visable water drained from the fuel filter on my truck but some very minute particles in the bottom when filter changed. I try to keep truck full as much of the time as possible.

 

[Big_Daddy_T]

"names john coffey, like the drink just not spelt the same. "



I also would like instructions on proper drainage. I have had my truck for 110k and I still do not know the correct method.

 

[illflem]

On my 12 valves sometimes nothing comes out also, I always figured it was a vacuum lock. I just pump my manual primer once then it starts flowing, perhaps on a 24 you have to bump the starter to get it flowing.

 

[EMDDIESEL]

I drained mine once and it did'nt close. I drove for almost 10 miles dumping fuel the whole way. The trail is still there on the road.

 

[zimman20]

It's the vacuum effect. With the Fuel filter cap in place the fluid cannot run out of the canister, same effect as holding water in a straw with your finger on the other end. Get it? When you change the filter you'll be able to drain what's in the bottom of the canister, might be able to get the same effect by loosening the fuel filter cap but don't know, never tried it. Might maintain a good seal because of the 'O' ring in the cap.



While in the process of changing the fuel filter I've never seen enough water collected in the bottom of the canister to be concerned about, I change the filter every other oil change or about every 9-10k. Works for me. I also take a paper towel and

clean out the 'gunk' left behind after draining the canister so it doesn't merely float there indefinitely. Also after changing the filter it's a good idea to fill the canister with fresh diesel to facilitate easier start after a filter change. Just my . 02 worth, hope it helps.





zman

 

[WadePatton]

back and forth

just fiddle with it. Mine and Mom's have different levers, but they both require open/close/jiggle and such for a few seconds. It will trickle some at first and eventually make a full stream. I don't check it anymore, just do it.



Or flip the key. That should get it going--albeit at the expense of mixing things up.



You want to drain that thang after she's been sitting for a while and the water/sediment is on the bottom.



So if you have to use the lift pump to get it started, I recommend draining it all out. Then closing the valve and bumping a few more times to reprime.