Fuel Filter Water Drain

[sigurross]

Couple of basic maintenance questions in regards to the fuel filter:

1) how often should you drain and/or check the fuel for water build up?

2) after you have remove the plastic attachment on the bottom do you have to re-prime and bleed the fuel filter?

Reason I ask is that my starts are really ruff with the colder temperatures. Engine starts no problem but it idles really ruff until I rev the engine at around 2000rpm. There is a bit of a smoke show for a couple of seconds and then once I remove my foot from the gas it idles normally. Usually just to be prudent let it warm up for 5-10 minutes after this.

I read somewhere that if there is fuel filter has water in it it can cause crystallization of the diesel and make for a really ruff start. I installed my fuel filter on Oct 1st so I'm wondering if it is time drain the water out of it.

Thanks people.

[jessef]

1) how often should you drain and/or check the fuel for water build up?

in the winter I check it once a month.

2) after you have remove the plastic attachment on the bottom do you have to re-prime and bleed the fuel filter?

yes. air will get in from the bottom once opened.

[sigurross]

So I assume that you check regularly in the winter is to avoid the possibility of the water freezing and causing the crystallization (if that is what it's called)?

[jessef]

correct