The water seperator is screwed into the bottom of the fuel filter...yes? I bought a new fuel filter that has the means to screw something into it. The one on the truck has nothing like that and a plug (WIF sensor plug?) is hanging next to it. The previous owner mentioned something about removing it because it leaked air?.
Do I need a junk yard trip to replace this item...or????

 

Most guys end up upgrading to a longer fuel filter as in the Fleetguard FS1221. These filters from what I understand do not have the port to accept the WIF and they just leave them unhooked. I'm sure that someone who has done this will chime in. So I would say just plug the hole and don't worry about it.

Ryan

 

The FS-1221 is about twice the length of the stock filter.

Instead of a seperate, troublesome, water drain, they have an integral drain-valve, made onto the filter.

There is no provision for a water-in-fuel sensor, which is only two prongs poking into the fuel that, when enough water gathers, completes the circuit that makes the light come on, using the water for a conductor.

Of all the many diesel-owning people that I have known, among many numerous makes of vehicles, I have yet to run across anyone that has actually had a water-in-fuel light to come on due to water actually being in the filter.

If you are running a proper fuel-conditioner, as you should, any water will be absorbed into the fuel and passed on through the system, without your ever knowing the water was in there, thus no need for the water-in-fuel light, anyway.