Water in fuel

[PhilR]

Today I got a "water in fuel" message & alarm. Is the sensor in the water separator? I just had the marina put 85 gallons in the tank last week, but they have fresh fuel and no problem with their diesel equipment. I have 158 hours on the engine and this is the first time for this message. The engine is running fine. What's the fix?

Phil

 

[Boondocker]

Just took delivery of our boat and happened to read through my operators manual. There is a procedure spelled out in your book if you have it handy. Don't have it in front of me but think you need to drain the bowel at the nbottom of one of your fuel filters into a cup. Think there's a valve on the bottom of the filter. Not sure if on primary filter or the secondary one mounted on the engine.

 

[HRowland]

Phil,

The water sensor is at the bottom of the primary fuel filter. If water reaches the level of the probe the alarm is triggered. There is a plug at the bottom you can remove to drain the sump. I had difficulty removing the plug, the whole sump wanted to turn. The sump is screwed onto the bottom of the filter cartridge.

You should examine the fuel you drain from the sump to verify there was really water in it. If there is a significant amount the filter element may have also absorbed some water, it would be a good time to replace the filter.

After reinstalling the plug you need to turn the engine key on (but do not start the engine) for 10 seconds, then off for 5 seconds. Repeat several times so the electric fuel pump can purge the air from the fuel system. You need to turn the key off after 10 seconds since the pump automatically stops after 10 seconds if you do not start the engine. Turning the key off then back on allows another 10 second run.

Howard

 

[knotflying]

Having put 85 gallons in means your tank was pretty empty during these hot and humid days. It is quite possible that you had condensation form in the tank, hence the water. I am a strong advocate of keeping those diesel tanks full when ever possible. Do as Howard suggested and use a clear container to see water and fuel separation. You may have to drain that bowl a few times to get the water out, so be patient.

 

[baz]

In addition to what has already been posted… When you turn the engine ignition key to ON listen carefully as you will hear the whine of the electric fuel pump as it primes the fuel system. When the whine stops then turn the key to the OFF position and wait a bit and then turn the key to ON again. While the ignition siren is sounding the engine ECU performs a set of diagnostics as well as having the fuel pump prime the fuel system.

 

[PhilR]

Thanks to all for the helpful input. A couple questions...should the fuel supply valve be shut off while draining the sump? Is the plug at risk of ending up in the bilge if one is not careful?

Phil

 

[knotflying]

Not necessary to turn off the fuel supply. Yes you could drop the plug in the bilge. Be careful and carry a magnetic retriever.

 

[PhilR]

I've been extra careful about dropping things in the engine room since my iPhone slipped out of my shirt pocket last summer and now resides in the bilge, under the engine. One of these days, I'll remember to try to flush it out with the cockpit wash down hose.

Phil