Draining the water separators.

[Epsilon Plus]

What a peach.

Figured I'd take a crack at draining the fuel/water separators after all this CP4 nonsense has us all spooked. Never done this before so didn't know what to expect. Well, my new cologne I'm wearing today is Eau de Diesel, let's just put it like that.

I watched the quaint little video provided by Ram:

I figured some water drips would come out and that's it right? Put a pan under just in case. Did the method they show, opened the front valve, a small stream started coming, powered the fuel pump and holy hell lets loose all down the lower engine and front axle. Ok. Figured I knew what I was in for on the rear. Got a small laundry jug up in there and same thing. Small drip, power pump and clunk, the jug goes down and diesel is raining all over the driveshaft and exhaust and floor.

Looks like I'll be installing some sort of clear PVC tubing setup to do this better in the future. I figured only water would come out. I wasn't prepared to be emptying the damn diesel tank. I like in the video how it says "run it until just diesel and no water or contaminates are seen". How the hell are you supposed to tell? Ever seen flowing diesel? Looks like pure water. Even in the pan it's mostly water looking with some blue tint.

Sheesh.

 

[RV_Goose]

I'll have to try it. I did it on the previous 2013 diesel and it wasn't too bad.

 

[dslbrnr]

I think that procedure only applies for when the water in fuel light comes on. For the normal once a month drain I usually wedge an empty gatoraid bottle on top of the front axle with the drain hose in it and open the top valve without the ignition cycled. It will drain a few ounces and hold the bottle in place until removed with no mess. The rear I just hold underneath and drain the same way.
After that cycle the ignition three times, 30 seconds on and 30 seconds off to purge any air out. There's a procedure listed in the owner's manual.
I do enjoy the scent of diesel though LOL.

 

[flan]

I got a roll of 1/2” clear tubing and ran a length from the drain to down below the axle.

 

[BULLSANDBUCKSHUNTER]

I do it like aviation fuel sample background: ign off, wipe off fuel valve with rag, with mason jar turn valve till steady flow, half-3/4 fill. Let sit few moments, look for water if none spin jar and look for materials and organics... have yet to spill a drop, fly navy lol

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

Drain the one at the tank its the most important one as it collects the most water.

 

[MegaDave]

You guys really do this once a month? I figure during the change of filters would be my frequency.


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[H3LZSN1P3R]

You guys really do this once a month? I figure during the change of filters would be my frequency.


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Really depends on the fuel stations you use and how much the truck sits but its a good idea to do it at least once every month but ideally weekly

 

[Trooper]

Seriously?? I have done this, not a big deal, but yearly or per recommended service should be enough or we all all really bought crap for trucks. I would never do this more then needed

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

Seriously?? I have done this, not a big deal, but yearly or per recommended service should be enough or we all all really bought crap for trucks. I would never do this more then needed

This has nothing to do with the truck all diesels should have the water separator drained monthly if not weekly.... if you happen to get one crappy fill up or let the truck sit for long times where condensation can happen you can do some serious damage by not draining the water out.... seems to me like its easier to take 5 seconds a week/month to drain it quick you only have to crack the valve not drain it completely....

 

[RV_Goose]

Really depends on the fuel stations you use and how much the truck sits but its a good idea to do it at least once every month but ideally weekly

I think location also plays into it.

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

I think location also plays into it.

I disagree.... but if your willing to gamble a 10-15k fuel system because your to lazy to drain it be my guest, also if the cp4 does fail and they see it has been contaminated by water they wont cover it so i will take the 5 seconds to drain each filter

 

[RV_Goose]

I disagree.... but if your willing to gamble a 10-15k fuel system because your to lazy to drain it be my guest, also if the cp4 does fail and they see it has been contaminated by water they wont cover it so i will take the 5 seconds to drain each filter

Yes sweatpea.

 

[Brutal_HO]

I disagree.... but if your willing to gamble a 10-15k fuel system because your to lazy to drain it be my guest, also if the cp4 does fail and they see it has been contaminated by water they wont cover it so i will take the 5 seconds to drain each filter

"You're"

 

[Chrisminx]

"You're"

"too"

 

[kobra]

Ok so these kind of snarky comments are allowed, but saying something about a certain product is flagged as breaking the rules?!

B

 

[MegaDave]

So if you’re not changing the filters and just want to drain them, what do you guys do? I went out to drain but the filter to the rear was empty when I opened the valve. The truck has been sitting for a week. Would you hit the run button but don’t start, then wait like five minutes before
Doing it?


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[DontSlamMyRam]

My rear filter housing drain valve has to be threaded out a few turns before it starts to flow.

 

[carlrx7]

This has nothing to do with the truck all diesels should have the water separator drained monthly if not weekly.... if you happen to get one crappy fill up or let the truck sit for long times where condensation can happen you can do some serious damage by not draining the water out.... seems to me like its easier to take 5 seconds a week/month to drain it quick you only have to crack the valve not drain it completely....

These are not commercial vehicles. We have sensors that tell us when to drain the water seperators. From the Owners manual...

If water is detected in the water separator while
the engine is running, or while the ignition
switch is in the ON position, the “Water In Fuel
Indicator Light” will illuminate and an audible
chime will be heard five times. At this point you
should stop the engine and drain the water from
both of the filters.

But do as you please.

 

[kobra]

These are not commercial vehicles. We have sensors that tell us when to drain the water seperators. From the Owners manual...

But do as you please.

Yes so this is the dilemma to me... there are gauges and sensors for lots of things, including water in the fuel, or when to change fuel filters or engine oil.
In the case of engine oil, I used to just go off the gauge and that would often be 20,000km or more. Manual says 24,000km or 1 year.
But many on this and other forums as well as diesel mechanics, etc, would say to change way more often, like every 7-8000km; so I started doing that with my last truck and will do it with this one. (the dealer always puts the sticker on +7000km and my extended warranty gives 13 oil changes in 100,000km so again ~7000km)

In the case of the water in fuel alert, the question is whether to trust the sensor as good enough for the CP4 pump, or if more regular maintenance should be done for safety. I haven't drained the filters yet, but we are in winter so I likely will do it later this month and see what the fuel looks like.


B