Ford 6.4 diesel maintenance ?

Question

I am aware of specific maintenance requirements & I am also required to inform new owners about these requirements.
But I am not a technician & neither are the new owners that I need to talk to.

What I need to explain (in simple terminology, no tech talk ) is this :
"Fuel-water separator should be drained monthly to avoid possible water in the fuel injectectors"

(quote copied from:2008 Ford dealer esource book, maintenance, 6.4 liter diesel)

Can/would you tell me (or describe to me) how to show or explain this maintenance to a novice or new owner ?

Answer 1

RJM and Ford girl are correct (and thanks for the idea Ford Girl.. usually all I do is drain it when I pull that nightmare 6.0 fuel filter (you know the one.... the one that's either got the PTO or 4x4 driveshaft in the way and need a 36mm 3/8 drive socket and lots of dexterity LOL :-)

But anyhow, Ethel I'd expect you to know about this though from all of those test you have to take to stay certified for Ford (I find they do ask weird questions that apparently isn't in the sourcebook huh?!?)... Most services on the Diesel (like air filter and fuel/water separator drainage) is described in plain english in the Diesel engine guide suppliment that is supplied with each vehicle...

BTW, here is the one for the 2008 trucks:
http://www.motorcraftservice.com/pubs/content/~WO8F23/~MUS~LEN/33/0860l6d1e.pdf

Fuel/water separator drainage is described in detail starting on page 34 for the E-series (F-series is after that)

Answer 2

Hi, Ethol Steve here ! Diesel Fuel #1 & # 2 type fule,one is cheaper and only used for heavey equipment and burns very dirty and you can be find $$$$$$ for useing the wrong fule in your diesel,Diesel and air Create water and since water will settle at the bottom of a separator and or filter, it is not a filter its only job is to remove water, and heavy sediment, there is a filter is in the tank and after the separator, 2 total OK , just like a air compressor has a drain at the bottom to let out the water, all air compressors tanks have this, paint spraying good painters have more that on to be sure no water gets into the paint , since diesels don't use spark plugs, diesel is fired by compression only when compressed it exploded, water and diesel fuel go hand in hand, the compression PSI on a diesel is 350 to 400 PSI, not like a car 125 150 psi it creates water particle's, so and on the diesels its a clear container and you will see water and sediment in the container, where ever its mounted all vehicles is different location, but can be easily found its just before the fuel enters the engine , and diesels are cold engins by nature,this is why Glow Plugs are needed for cold starts and thats all they do is heat the fuel , watch the Ice road trucker and see what they go thru trying to get rid of water in comppressed air lines on the history chanel, I did not think you were asking the location of the unit only the why and whats about it, I hope I helped you, have a great day I will Call You E.D. OK, stands for Ethol Diesel now that sounds cool some of the anserws I saw were pretty good

Answer 3

The fuel filter / drain for the 2008 superduty is on the frame rail
underneath the truck. Not too far from the driver door. Just forward of it on the trucks frame. It was moved from the engine area in 2003. There is a yellow tab that the customer
can turn, which will drain the water out of the trap.
There is a warning light on the dash if the trap fills up.
Think of oil and water.They don't mix.
Diesel fuel is basically oil. It cannot absorb water very well. It separates out in this device. It is actually called the HFCM. It contains the low pressure fuel pump, and filter assemblly, and water trap. It is a aluminum cylinder shape, with a black cap to unscrew for the filter. The water trap is on the bottom, where water would naturally settle. If you use bio diesel,
which is prone to water and acids, I'd increase the drain interval.
Ford engineer Superduty team.

Answer 4

While I'm not aware of the recommended interval for draining the water separator, to err on the side of caution, I would personally recommend draining the water separator on these trucks once a month, as well as during every oil change. Like RJM already says, the drain is located on the inner side of the driver side framerail, about the area where the driver door is situated, is where the HFCM (Horizontal Fuel Conditioning Module) is mounted. This module houses the primary fuel filter, the "water in fuel" sensor, the fuel pump, and the water separator drain you inquire about. To drain it, simply move the yellow lever to the other side momentarily until all the fuel and water mixture drains out. Ford did something right for 2008 by changing it from a 6mm allen head type plug (which always tended to seize up due to corrosion, resulting in replacement of the HFCM manifold) type plug, to a simple yellow plastic lever, making it easier for the average owner to perform this very simple, but very important routine maintenance.

For 6.0L equipped F-series truck owners, I strongly recommend replacing the existing 6mm allen head plug to bronze knob style ones used on the LCF trucks. It makes this task much easier, and less messy. This drain plug can be ordered from any Ford dealer parts department for a small amount. The part number is 6E7Z-9C082-A. If you're interested in having a glance at what it looks like, click on the link below:

http://www.forddoctorsdts.com/articles/article-05-19.php

Answer 5

there is a light on the dash that will tell you if you get the smallest ammount of water in the filter housing so the only time i do this is at regular filter changes or if the light comes i have over 300,000 miles on my 99. okay open the hood in the center of the engine under a black flip up cover is your filter housing, there is a little yellow lever on the side of it that will drain the fuel/water out,there is atube that drops down by the center of the front axel so that you can catch any fluid drained out with a small pan usually about a quart will come out when drained just make sure to close the yellow valve or fuel will continue to drain and the fuel pnmp will pump enough fuel to keep it running and make a big mess at the same time. good luck

Answer 6

The fuel / water separator is actually the fuel filter. It is located on top of the engine in between the 2 valve covers. There is a easy to remove cover on top of it. Remove the cover and you are looking at the fuel filter.. It's the round thingy. On the bottom of that filter somewhere is a valve with a hose attached to it. The hose goes to the bottom of the engine to let the water/fuel out. Just turn the valve and let it drain..it will be only a little bit of water/fuel. If you are environmentally conscious place a drain pan under the motor to catch the drippings. Make sure the valve is tightened back up and replace the cover.