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The_Works's avatar
The_Works
Explorer
May 14, 2013

Water in Fuel

I have a 2011 chevy silverado 3500hd, crew cab, 8' bed. Today with 11,500 miles I had 2/3 tanks of diesel and I topped it off at a Flying J gas station. Within 50 miles I got the "Water in Gas" warning. We were very fortnunate to be within a couple of miles of Woodhouse Chevrolet in Missouri Valley, Iowa. I explained to them the situation we were in and they got us right into one of the service bays and drained the water from the fuel filter. They couldn't tell me if there was water in the fuel tank but at least they did drain a good amount of water out of the filter and they felt this could fix the issue. We have been driving for 12 days, leaving from Summerville, South Carolina. I called the Flying J and told them about the water in the fuel but they said they have monitoring devices that they check daily for water in the fuel and as of today there was no alarm with water in the fuel. In any case, within 75 miles after leaving the Chevolet garage the "Water in Fuel" alarm came back on. Now I have about 1/2 a tank of fuel left so my plan is to drain the water from the fuel filter tomorrow morning, then keep driving with the remaining fuel, drain the water from the fuel as the alarm comes on until most of the fuel has been exhausted. My first question is, is this a reasonable plan or should I take it to a chevrolet garage tomorrow and have them just fix the water in fuel problem. Draining water from the fuel filter seems to be a fairly simple procedure, is this a "Preventive Maintenance" procedure that should be done after 4-5 fuel stops? Also, when the "Water in Fuel" alarm comes on, how serious is this? Can I travel 200 miles with this alarm? This is my first diesel so I do have a learning curve to learn as far as preventive maintenance, fuel filter replacement, fuel filter water draing and any other things I should be doing. Thanks for your help and suggestions, be safe out there!!
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  • 45Ricochet's avatar
    45Ricochet
    Explorer
    May 14, 2013
    Take it to a dealer and drain that tank. Your messing with a CP.4 HPFP that is very sensitive to water and they can explode leaving your fuel system in ruins. As stated the Ford's are running about $12k to fix and many are not warranty. GM is doing better covering the cost but it is now documented you had water in fuel. I wouldn't chance it. Good Luck
  • goducks10's avatar
    goducks10
    Explorer
    May 14, 2013
    On that new of a truck and being a diesel owner myself, I'd be heading to the nearest shop and get it checked out. I just wouldn't want my fuel system to get ruined. I know GM has a better warranty repair record than Ford but IMO it's not worth taking a chance.
  • Charlie_D_'s avatar
    Charlie_D_
    Explorer
    May 14, 2013
    I don't know if your truck will go into limp mode if there is water in your fuel BUT enough water in fuel can wreck you fuel delivery system and cost you $10,000.

    I personally know of 2cases of WIF in Ford trucks and the fuel system was wrecked within 2 miles of filling up. Another was a Chevy that never started after filling up. Water was found in the storage tank where 3 trucks filled up at the same time.
  • larry_barnhart's avatar
    larry_barnhart
    Explorer
    May 14, 2013
    I had had the water in fuel since a fill up at a FJ. Could never find any water. Decided the FJ wasn't the problem. Water in fuel was coming on in the dash but not all of the time so finally after a couple of years I installed a new water sensor. no change on the outcome. coming home from the winter in AZ the water in fuel was a steady display so before the last day on the trip I disconnected the water sensor's wire. No change so it is in the wiring for our 05 truck. Just for information we have an in bed fuel tank and fill up at different stations. Inbed was were it started so I drained some fuel more than 2 times and NO water. I have drained the water filter many times and No water has showed. Water in diesel is very easy to see. I will address my problem later this summer.
    chevman
  • Dave_H_M's avatar
    Dave_H_M
    Explorer II
    May 14, 2013
    I got my money on the sensor system having a problem. However instead of messing around on the keyboard I would catch some fuel and look. Water will be totally separated and show up in the bottom of the catch jar.

    By the way, when I had a diesel I put an extension hose on the bottom of the drain tube and zip tied it secure so I always had easy access.

    Flying J just could not afford to be pumping water in those big company rigs. :h
  • dennisgt60's avatar
    dennisgt60
    Explorer
    May 14, 2013
    Geeez....taking chances with a 2011 truck...take to a Chevy garage now and get it fixed.
  • mguay's avatar
    mguay
    Explorer
    May 14, 2013
    You'll never make it 200 miles with the alarm on. It will go into limp mode long before that. I agree with ronniedean1234 and would put the additive to it. I would also top that tank off with fresh fuel.
  • ronniedean1234's avatar
    ronniedean1234
    Explorer
    May 14, 2013
    I personally would put a fuel additive in to disperse any moisture in the system, I run additives year round in our 5 diesel engines to keep things lubed and injectors clean.....just my 2 cents worth
  • da_bees's avatar
    da_bees
    Explorer
    May 14, 2013
    I agree that you should catch what you drain in a clear container to see if there realy is water in it. The WIF sensors are well known to go bad and trigger a false warning. If you indeed find water,the best action is draining the tank. A diesel shop can seperate water from fuel making it good as new. Your plan of draining will surfice if you drain as soon as the alarm detects water. No,I would not drive 50 miles much less 200 after the indicator says water in fuel.
    Do not use an additive unless it clearly says it is suitable for treating water in diesel. And then only if other options can't be used for some reason.
    As far as Flying J,if you never had a problem before fueling there and it turns out to be water,they owe you for repair.
  • wcjeep's avatar
    wcjeep
    Explorer
    May 14, 2013
    Draining the WIF on a Dodge is easy. Should be in the owners manual for your Chevy. I would consider having the tank emptied. Some places have a suction ability for people that accidentally place Unleaded in their Diesel. I would properly dispose of the bad fuel. Don't try to clean it.

    When draining the WIF, if possible drain into a clear container to make sure there is water. It may take some time to separate. When at home I temporarily place an old heater hose over the WIF drain line. This keeps it from dripping on the front axle. I would not drive any further than the next exit to at least temporarily drain the WIF.

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