Truck: 3500 Cummins diesel
I read in the manual that you should periodically drain the water seperator, how is this accomplished and how often do I need to do it.

-Andrew

 

this info is about a 2004

Draining water from fuel filter/water separator housing:

The housing drain valve (FILTER HOUSING) serves two purposes. One is to partially drain the filter housing of excess water. The other is to completely drain the housing for fuel filter, drain valve, heater element, water-in-fuel sensor replacement or transfer pump replacement.

The filter housing should be partially drained whenever the water-in-fuel warning lamp remains illuminated. (Note that lamp will be illuminated for approximately two seconds when ignition key is initially placed in ON position for a bulb check).

A drain hose (FILTER HOUSING) is located at the bottom of drain valve. Place drain pan under drain hose.
With engine not running, rotate drain valve handle counter-clockwise (rearward) to OPEN (DRAIN) position. Hold drain valve open until all water and contaminants have been removed and clean fuel exits.
If drain valve, fuel heater element or Water-In-Fuel (WIF) sensor is being replaced, drain housing completely. Dispose of mixture in drain pan according to applicable regulations.
After draining operation, rotate valve handle clockwise (forward) to the CLOSE position.
Fuel Filter Replacement: The fuel filter is located inside of the fuel filter housing.
Clean all debris from around canister.
Remove filter lid (FILTER COVER (LID)) using a socket. Attach socket to large hex on top of lid (FILTER COVER (LID)). Rotate counter-clockwise for removal. Remove o-ring. Discard o-ring.
Remove filter element by twisting element sideways from filter lid.
Water-In-Fuel (WIF) Sensor Replacement: The WIF sensor is located on the side of the fuel filter housing (FILTER HOUSING).
Disconnect electrical connector at sensor.
Clean area around sensor.
Remove sensor by rotating counter-clockwise.
Check condition of sensor o-ring. Replace if damaged.
Fuel Heater Element Replacement: The heater element is located in the fuel filter housing (FILTER HOUSING).
Remove fuel filter. See previous steps.
Disconnect electrical connector.
Remove two T-15 Torx head mounting screws from fuel heater element.
Remove fuel heater.
Drain Valve Replacement: The drain valve assembly is located on the side of the fuel filter housing (FILTER HOUSING).
Disconnect drain hose from the fuel drain valve.
Remove 4 drain valve mounting screws (T-15 Torx head).
Remove drain valve from filter housing.






1 - FILTER HOUSING
2 - FUEL HEATER AND THERMOSTAT
3 - FUEL HEATER MOUNTING SCREWS
4 - FUEL HEATER ELEC. CONNECTOR
5 - WIF SENSOR
6 - WIF SENSOR ELEC. CONNECTOR
7 - DRAIN HOSE
8 - DRAIN VALVE MOUNTING SCREWS
9 - DRAIN VALVE


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Well, that covers it. Thanks a bunch.

-Andrew