I changed my fuel filter for the second time today, first time at 5000 miles, now at 16500 miles. Just a quick question about the drained fuel, is it ok to put the drained fuel back in the fuel tank, or just dispose of it? I know I'm going to hear about not taking the risk of putting contaminated fuel in the tank, but just thought I'd ask.

Also, this may seem obvious to others, but I haven't taken the time to look really close. Can someone explain how the fuel flow works in the filter canister, does the fuel come from the tank and into the center of the filter then filtered to the outside then to the engine, or does the fuel come from the tank to the outside of the filter then tru to the inside then to the engine?

Thanks

 

Yeah, pour it back in. If there's no water in the drained fuel I'd put the fuel back into the tank and not even worry about it. Then again, if there WAS a lot of water in the fuel, you could have the onset of bigger problems than pouring that little bit of fuel back into the "water" tank.

I haven't looked that close at the fuel flow path.

 

Fuel flow is from outside to inside.

 

I would not pour it back in. I have seen grit, flakes of gold, in the bottom of a fuel filter canister. If you collected some of the debris in your drain bottle it would be back in your tank. I always wipe out the bottom of the cannister just in case there is some unwanted goodies in the bottom that do not flush out during the drain.

 

I tossed my first fuel filter change drain-out (after letting it sit in a clear jar to check for water or crud)

2nd one, I killed some weeds in the driveway with it. (again, clear jar)

3rd one, I checked for any foreign matter and couldn't see any,
so I just poured it back into the tank, from the clear jar.

I wouldn't pour it back into the filter cannister,
if there was anything in there, it could end up on the filtered side, and go through the system.

I too always wipe the cannister clean, and have found fine grit at the bottom.


phox

 

So, during the process of changing the fuel filter, you are supposed to drain the canister using the yellow lever? I haven't changed my fuel filter yet but I have read directions for doing it and don't remember reading this. Please straighen me out! Thanks

 

Not sure if any instructions out there actually say to drain the fuel out.
They do however say to wipe the inside clean with a lint free rag.

This would be hard to do with the cannister full of diesel.

Yes, you should drain the fuel out of the cannister before changing the filter.

Some have stated they don't do this, and haven't had a problem,
but I can't afford to take that chance, so I'll keep draining mine at each filter change.


phox

 

You should drain it completely before you remove the filter. Otherwise dirt can get to the clean side of things.

 

I just open the drain **** up and kill whatever unfortunate weed is under the truck. Drains faster if you got the top open already. Not sure what size socket it would be, I use and 8" crescent wrench to remove it. I wipe the innards out, and then cycle the key about 1/2 dozen times to fill the canister back up, and blast off.


EDIT:
oops, the word I was using rhymed with rock, wasn't used as a vulgar description of anything.

 

The end of the drain hose is open, and will collect all kinds of crap as you drive. When you drain the fuel, it will wash alot of the grit and grime out. The quality of fuel we buy is bad enough. I wouldn't put it back in my tank.