Hi everyone,<br>I just got a 97 RAM Cummins. I was wondering how much fuel do I drain at each fill up? What color should it be? I realize it should be clear and free of sediment. Should the water in fuel light not come on anymore after draining? Thanks,<br>Nate

 

I believe the manual states to drain as much as a teaspoon at each fillup, or every morning. As far as the water in fuel light goes, yes it should go off after the water is drained on a properly working sensor. But, alot of guys have found that you can get as much as half a tank of water and the light will never come on. To get an idea if you have water in your fuel. When you drain a lttle out of th filter, take a small clean coffe can and catch the excess. Look at the fuel, if it has small brown-like bubbles in the fuel, you have water in it. Most of the time a little water will show up like this, but a substantial amount is uncommon.

 

If you drain a teaspoon of fuel do you have to manually pump to get the air out?

 

I have a 97 also and have never drained some fuel. Please tell me what you are talking about. Where, and why?

 

Draining a teaspoon of fuel out the drain will not let your system become air locked. Now, if you were to get happy with it and drain out 1/2 to 3/4 of the fuel in the filter, then yes...you may have a problem with air. Draining from the filter every now and then keeps water out of your injectors. Water = rust and water will not combust....and since injectors have such close tolerances and some metal to metal seals....this can cost you a new set.<br><br> Just something for you guys to think about. It only takes a teaspoon of water in a class 8 (semi)engine to totally sieze up all 6 of the injectors.

 

Why not use a good fuel conditioner each fill up and not worry about it? My 94 has never been drained and no problem.<br>Michael

 

Michael, <br><br>I use Stanadyne at every fillup and whenever I change my filter at 10k, I always have some water in the bottom. Draining a little from the filter also gets out any metal shavings from the pump and any dirt. Fuel additive is not 100% effective. Your better safe than sorry.

 

Am I to drain both at the tank and at the filter. I am about to change my first fuel filter, what should I know.

 

When changing the fuel filter. You dont have to worry about draining the water from the old filter. Since, you are taking it off anyway. Just fill the new filter full of diesel and install.