Community Forums

rvrat · 05-27-2006, 08:19 AM

Hi all,
I have read somewhere that the chassis fuel tank on the Freightliner chassis should have a small amount of fuel drained out of the bottom to get rid of the crud and water. I have also read somewhere that some tanks, I don't know if this is Freightliner have some kind of device that will limit how much fuel-stuff comes out each time the drain plug is removed. The tank on our 02 Journey has a small drain plug in the bottom center and I was thinking of draining a small amount out mostly to see what comes out. Has anybody done this, is there an approved procedure, will I make a mess and will I get a diesel fuel bath?
Thanks for the advice, Bob

rvrat · 05-27-2006, 08:19 AM

Hi all,
I have read somewhere that the chassis fuel tank on the Freightliner chassis should have a small amount of fuel drained out of the bottom to get rid of the crud and water. I have also read somewhere that some tanks, I don't know if this is Freightliner have some kind of device that will limit how much fuel-stuff comes out each time the drain plug is removed. The tank on our 02 Journey has a small drain plug in the bottom center and I was thinking of draining a small amount out mostly to see what comes out. Has anybody done this, is there an approved procedure, will I make a mess and will I get a diesel fuel bath?
Thanks for the advice, Bob

ichn2go · 05-28-2006, 12:34 AM

I am not familiar with having to drain crud outta the fuel tank.
Cat engines have a fuel/water separator with a twist valve on the bottom that should be drained periodically.
Maybe the more mechanically inclined on the forum can give you the skinny on the fuel tank...JIM

smlranger · 05-28-2006, 03:22 AM

I would think if you removed the plug on the tank, be prepared to deal with a lot of fuel coming out quickly. Might be do-able if you don't have much fuel in the tank.

rvrat · 05-28-2006, 06:15 AM

Thanks for the input I am very sure that I read somewhere in my owners information that after X miles or X time and at some scheduled service a small amount of whatever is in the bottom of the fuel tank should be drained out. I have always replaced the fuel filter on or before the required time or miles and have only found a few small black pieces of what looks like rubber or plastic in the bottom bowl. I have never seen evidence of water when I drain the bowl. I guess I should dig through my black bag with all the info and see what I can come up with. I am not convinced that I need to drain the tank but was wondering if anybody had done this and what were the results.
Thanks, Bob

JoeT · 05-28-2006, 12:32 PM

My CAT manual indicates to Drain the fuel tank water and sediment on the PM1 Schedule, but my Freightliner manual doesn't. I don't plan on doing it.

Joe-K · 06-01-2006, 07:51 AM

I'll have to take a look though my manual again to see if there is any reference to draining the tank. I know I drain the fuel/water separator periodically.

I thought the drain on the bottom of the tank was to be used for draining the tank completely should it be required for service.

mowmunny · 06-01-2006, 03:32 PM

2004 bounder. Freightliner slipped an in line fuel filter just above the right side axle. It is hid in the frame rail behind wiring. It has a very fine screen that has been clogging with slime. Algae??or fuel gunk???I drained my fuel tank in 5 gallon buckets. No problem. This filter has been driving me crazy. Others are beginning to have problem also.