Fuel Filter/Water separator

[rivrduk]

This question is for Tradewinds owners primarily. I have a 2000, Model 7373 Tradewinds. I was reading the owners guide under the Maintenance/service specifications, Section 12-2 and it said that the fuel/water separator should be checked on a daily basis and drained if necessary. It is behind the engine air intake when opening the service bay door. I looked and i guess it is on the bottom of the fuel filter. I see a black plastic device on the bottom of the filter. What is the procedure to drain it? It looks like the black device is screwed into the bottom and i know i dont want to unscrew it as i am sure a flood of fuel would come forth. So, how do i do it. If i turn anything which way do i turn it, clockwise or counter clockwise. I do not want to break the plastic device. You tradewinds owners can sure help me here as i have never drained it. Of course, i have not had MH very long either. Maybe i dont turn it, but if not do i pull anything. Thanks, Rivrduk

[Diesel Guy]

Hello I am a 40+ year Diesel Mechanic I maybe able to help you as most fuel/water separators are about the same in operation & LQQks. What you need to do is drain about a cup of fuel from the black or clear bottom bowl ,turning the knob counterclock wise to loosen allowing the fuel to drain when you have a small cup fulled turn knob clockwise to close the valve but do not over tighten,you should always check to see if water is present after every fillup then follow the above and redain the bowl.Its cheap ins to save your fuel system water and your fuel system don't like each other. Note some bowls have a push/pull valve instead of a turn valve so LQQk closely also some have a nipple on the drain valve to attach a small hose so you don't get covered in fuel. Hope this helps.

[rivrduk]

mine has a nipple to attach a small hose. Counter clockwise or a pushpull. Will try it tomorrow and hope nothing breaks. i wanted to turn it counter clockwise but i was afraid of it being stuck and as a result unscrewing the drain valve thanks,

[Diesel Guy]

Hello the knob maybe be tight due to a rubber gasket sealing the nut to the bowl giving it a turn counterclock wise should loosen it so you can drain out some fuel Good luck but you should be fine I drained them a million times with no problems.

[rivrduk]

Thanks. Rivrduk

[Vegasdan]

Does your filter have a clear bowl on the bottom? If it does can you see any water in the bowl? If not I'd not drain it. When the manual says to "check it on a daily basis" a visual check should tell you if any water is present. Use a flash light.

[rivrduk]

yes,it is clear on the bottom. Did you turn yours counter clockwise when you drained it, or have you ever had to drain it? Rivrduk

[Vegasdan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rivrduk yes,it is clear on the bottom. Did you turn yours counter clockwise when you drained it, or have you ever had to drain it? Rivrduk

I had mine replaced last year when I had my coach serviced. Since then I have checked it frequently and never had any water evident in the bowl so I have never drained it. I did get curious once and tried to turn the knob on the bottom, but like you I found it to be extreamly tight and I didn't want to break anything. I'm having the coach serviced again tomorrow here in Phoenix.