Fuel / Water Sepatator ?

[VACMAN]

On another site some were talking about draining the Diesel/Water separator (PRIMARY FUEL FILTER/WATER SEPARATOR) Me being new to Diesel, Do I have one of these on my coach ?, And if I do, where would I find it ? And how often do I drain it ?

[Jim Stewart]

There are usually 2 fuel filters on newer DPs. A primary and a secondary. One is usually a water/fuel separator. The most common brand is Racor. Often both filters are located in the same location. The Water/Fuel Separator has a plastic bowl on the bottom of the filter with a valve on it. You can look at the bowl and see if there is a layer between the fuel and the water in the bowl. If there is a layer, you need to drain the water. By turning the valve, the water drains out.

Frequency of draining depends on your location and fuel quality. I check mine every other tank of fuel. I do not know if your particular Model has one, but most likely it does have it.

[GaryKD]

Hi VACMAN,
The fuel/water separator should be next to the fuel filter. Because you have a Newmar/Cummins engine the Brand should be Fleetguard. Mine has no bowl, but a knob that one can turn to drain the fuel/water separator. This should be changed annually as part of routine maintenance. There are wires running from a connector on the bottom of the fuel/water separator. They go to a warning light on the dash. There is nothing for you to check. If the warning light comes on, then you need to turn the knob and drain out the water. Changing the filter annually and buying fuel at the J, I have never had to drain water.

[VACMAN]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryKD Hi VACMAN, The fuel/water separator should be next to the fuel filter. Because you have a Newmar/Cummins engine the Brand should be Fleetguard. Mine has no bowl, but a knob that one can turn to drain the fuel/water separator. This should be changed annually as part of routine maintenance. There are wires running from a connector on the bottom of the fuel/water separator. They go to a warning light on the dash. There is nothing for you to check. If the warning light comes on, then you need to turn the knob and drain out the water. Changing the filter annually and buying fuel at the J, I have never had to drain water.

Thanks Gary,, I found the filter, Knob, and wire, today.. By the way it was nice to meet you at camp NEWMAR...vacman

[Norm4015]

Don't do like a friend of mine. He decided to drain the water separator while the engine was running. He loosened the cap too much and the fuel pressure blew it off and sent it across the parking lot. Fuel spewed everywhere covering him and the motorhome and he lost several gallons of fuel before the engine died.

So with the engine turned off loosen the cap and drain about two tablespoons of fuel in a disposable cup and inspect it for water. If no water is present leave the cap tight. It there is water present drain a little more fuel until there is no water. If there is a black slime you should replace both filters and carry a spare set.

If you get a lot of water in the filter the WIF (Water In Filter) dash light will come on and you not only need to drain the filter, you need to replace both filters.

I have driven two Dutch Stars over 100,000 miles and I have never found one drop of water when I opened the cap. But I did find black slime one time.

[tmitchell]

On my 2004 DSDP with the 370 hp ISL , I only have one fuel filter, the fuel/water separator. I change it every year and had to change it at a service plaza, in July. It started to plug up and it was only on for 4 months, so it is a good idea to carry an extra filter and a strap wrench, to change it.
After you change the filter, you will need to cycle the ignition key at least 3 times. Turn the key on without engaging the starter; after 20 seconds turn it off; then repeat.
This will run your electric fuel pump and prime your engine.
Tom