Do I need to drain the water from the fuel line at every service interval, or only when the dash light comes on? And what do you guys do with the contaminated diesel after you drain it? Thanks.

 

Are you talking about a 7.3 or 6.0?

One of the most important deciding factors (for service/draining) is where you buy your fuel, if its a supplier that moves a 'high volume' of fuel and doesn't leave it standing in the tanks collecting condesation, then your less apt to get any H20.. The injectors in 'either' engine do not like water, and waiting until the light comes on isn't a good practice.. If the light were to come on, draining the Fuel/Water Seperator (HFCM if 6.0) should be done ASAP because you don't know for sure the amount being cycled through.. Once drained if the light returns then you know for sure.. Most times it's just collected condesation over time, but we've seen some that have been heavily polluted with water/debris and not caught in time..

If your are servicing the Fuel/Water Seperator or HFCM/Secondary filter if a 6.0, the amount of diesel isn't much and can be dumped in with the recycled oil.. If your just doing a 'timely' quick drain for added insurance for no 'future' injectors, the amount of runout is even less.. By 'quick drain' meaning just a short release of fuel to purge the water that would be sitting on the bottom.. Both of these engines are a bit hard to collect the spilled diesel, but the 7.3 can have a small piece of drain hose added to the metal drain runner, and the 6.0 you can use a cut soda/milk jug to get it up into the narrow area to capture the running fuel..

To answer your question in short..... you can't hurt it by draining it to often, (or service) 7.3 or 6.0, but waiting to long you run more of a risk of system contamination.. Plus,, It's nice to take a fuel sample on a regular basis just to see 'how your doing', and to know that the place thats selling you your fuel is doing there job.. Not selling H20 for almost 3.00 a gallon!!

 

Thanks for the reply. I do have a 6.0 (2006). BTW, when I drain it, will I be able to see the water? How long "generally" do I need to let it drain before I tighten the plug back up, 5sec, 10 sec?

Thanks again!

 

The water will be the first to come out.. If captured in a container can easily be seen on the bottom if in any concentration.. Problem is, getting it to drain 'straight' to/into the container and not off the frame rail.. Doesn't take long to drain the HFCM, and if you pull the plug and only get clean fuel, no need to drain complete, especailly if no filter change.. Also, there is an upgraded HFCM plug that has a 'thumb screw' type head, and a catch to keep it from falling out for 'quick' on road, or painless access to drain.. You'd be safe at 10 seconds drain time..

Here's a pic of the upgraded plug...

[IMG]local://upfiles/6756/FCA1BF7F81D442AFBA6BA974595A1984.jpg[/IMG]

 

I appreciate the help. THANKS!

 

The upgraded 6.0 HFCM drain plug is actually from the LCF model Ford truck.. Stands for Low Cab Forward.. With the drain unscrewed and protruding out, helps to 'wick' fuel out and away from the frame, and keeps it off the front drive shaft if a 4x4... It still has the allen 'hex' as well as being groved for pliers if needed.. But 'hand tight' is enough for a good seal... The OEM plug is fine, but if you happen to ever get a WIF light out on the road, would come in handy if you didn't have tools Don't know why the 7.3 had a lever release, and the 6.0 a plug.......

 

While checking out my diesel medic unit and talking when I should have been paying attention. I mistakenly pulled the fuel / fluid release which amazingly resembled the oil dipstick. When you diesel junkies get done laughing (which I rightfully deserve) Please help!!!! How do I plug this back up ???? Any help would be greatfully appreciated....Thanks.