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wildwood32's avatar
wildwood32
Explorer
Dec 26, 2014

06 6.0 diesel and water in fuel?

My 06 6.0 ltr diesel ,Ford. The water in the fuel warning came on and was wondering if these have a water separator like a boat has.I know of the 2 filters that I chage every year but is there another separator type or do I just change the 2filters that I have been changing all along?The truck runs fine so I think there is a sensor that lets you know if you get a little water but not enough to not run?Any help is greatly appreciated.What is the best way to fix this?

26 Replies

  • rhagfo wrote:
    Well, sure seems like a lot of work to drain the water/fuel separator! :S
    The one on my Cummins is easily reached under the hood and is a simple lever, no tools required. :)
    This is something you want to do as soon as the warning light comes on, needs to be easy and quick to do.


    This RAM cummins has even a better idea... Stick the water/fuel separator near the exhaust so you can either burn your hand/arm or catch your cummins on fire when you have to drain your water. :S

    Link
  • rhagfo wrote:
    Well, sure seems like a lot of work to drain the water/fuel separator! :S
    The one on my Cummins is easily reached under the hood and is a simple lever, no tools required. :)
    This is something you want to do as soon as the warning light comes on, needs to be easy and quick to do.


    This needs to be done every time he changes his fuel filters. The water will not drain by just removing the filter although one would think it would by the way the rail mounted filters drain on the 6.0. They do make an aftermarket drain plug that can be done by hand easily. I have them on all the trucks I service.

    The one on the left is the factory plug that takes an allen wrench. The one on the right is the aftermarket plug that can be done by hand.

  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    Well, sure seems like a lot of work to drain the water/fuel separator! :S
    The one on my Cummins is easily reached under the hood and is a simple lever, no tools required. :)
    This is something you want to do as soon as the warning light comes on, needs to be easy and quick to do.
  • This video is probably not the best but illustrates how to drain the HFCM. If you are using a Motorcraft or Racor fuel filter then yes the filter module does separate the water from the diesel.

    Link
  • Drain plug is on the small panel on the frame mounted filter base (HFCM: horizontal fuel containing module.

    If you have not ever drained it, you might need a new HFCM cover and gasket kit, which come with a new plug. Good chance yours is rusted up, and the separator full of sludge. It's not very expensive.