Testing my patience, how to (or not to) dewater fuel filter

[Adrock]

Alright. So my fuel filter water level light has been going on and off for hte last little while, it has been coupled with the icon of the battery for some reason, is this normal? I figured even if it wasn't normal it couldn't hurt to drain the water from my fuel filter. Following the instructions in my manual, i unscrewed the drain plug and started pumping, I got some diesel coming out, but the container I was using to catch the fuel was too big to get right under the filter, and so the drips were running down other parts of the van. I didn't pump for too long because what I did catch was very pure looking, I figured I was all set. I also assumed water would separate from the fuel... but I have never really looked into it so it was possible that there was water suspended in the fuel, (is suspended the right word? I should have gone to chemistry class.) So, i tighten the plug back up, start the van, play with the throttle a bit, and everything is fine. I start driving, (to pick up extra sticky velcro to mount my radio I might add) and just as I get to the main street she is starved and stalls. I jumped out, unscrewed the plug again and pumped a bit more, tightened the plug and it started again, i managed to get it to a safe place to stop and she died again. So i find a small plastic bag in the back, put it under the filter and decide it is time to do this properly. I must have pumped out over half a liter. Tightened up the plug one last time, started it, and it idled very low until it was warm. Once it warmed up it started to idle at regular speed, I was able to get it home no problem.

That is my story, and now there is diesel on my door handles, steering wheel and just about everywhere liquid can get on my body. (I had to crawl under to undo that stupid plug one of the times because I guess I tightened it too tight.

All i have to say is thank god I put on my overalls before I left the house, expensive jeans would have had a hell of a time crawling under a deli roadside. The dirt just gives street cred to the carharts haha.

Any tips or anything for future reference? I did what the book said and it got my ass handed to me by a not so happy deli.

My only advice (as long as nothing else goes wrong) is to pump it a ton. Don't be shy, and put in the effort.

I need a drink after that.

[ccautos]

The plastic `plug`on the bottom of the filter is for water drain . Water will settle to the bottom of the filter and allow a plastic float inside the filter to rise up with water level and once at a certain level turn on the water in fuel light . The plug should be opened and allow liquid to drain for a few seconds to remove water . Tighten up the drain plug and open the 10mm bleed bolt in the top housing (where the fuel lines go in and out) . Pump until fuel comes out of that bleed bolt and tighten up whilst fuel running out . This will remove all air from the system and allow you to drive away .

[Adrock]

That came to me as I was roadside, but being wrenchless it just wasn't so easy.

Thanks though, glad no one else has to do the same.