Fuel-water separator...where is it?

[fgtex]

I am new to diesels. I am looking at the maintenance schedule and figure that it is time to drain the fuel water separator. I looked at the Ford DVD but cannot figure out the pictures that I see. I did a search on this site (and some others) and did not see a clear answer as to where it is.

Is it on top of the engine just behind the black cover that says 'powerstroke'?
If it is, where does the water drain from?

I have a gently used 2002 F350 7.3 Auto with 56K on the clock.

 

[whatabudro]

Yep under the cover on top of the engine. If you crawl underneath your truck from the front, look up on the passenger side front of the motor, you will see a 3/8" steel tube pointing at the ground. When you drain the fuel bowl this is where it comes out. I like to attach a hose to this and drain the fuel/water into a bucket. If you don't it gets everywhere, and leaves a diesel stain on the concrete. To drain, simply twist the yellow handle on the passenger side rear of the fuel bowl. I drain it until I smell diesel, a couple of seconds or so. Bryan

 

[dmftoy1]

If you do the hose trick (which I highly recommend) then make sure to put a bolt or golf tee or something up the hose to plug it. Around here we have these nasty little bugs that seem to love diesel. If you don't plug the hose they will crawl up there and plug it up. The next time you drain you won't be able to figure out why it's not coming out!

I do mine everytime I change the oil. Makes for a simple schedule.

Have a good one,
Dave

 

[roosterdiesel]

Poke Here for a pic of the top of the filter housing. The Powerstroke cover's removed and you can see the drain valve. If you have dual alternators the tube is a tight squeeze to get a hose on.

 

[fgtex]

This site gets better everyday. Thanks for the great info. I was able to locate the drain tube under the engine and the yellow 'knob' that opens the drain. Now to buy some tubing on the way home so that I don't make a mess and dribble all over the place!

 

[powerboatr]

on my 7.3 i ran some clear tubing down to the tranny cooler lines and over to just in front of the lower edge of the radiator, it came out just the right height for a coffe can to collect the sample.
also the yellow drain valve thingy is prone to leakage if the valve hasnt been excersized in a while,(many moons) when you open it it will tear the O rings and leak when closed until..... you replace em
just a word of caution

 

[fgtex]

Now you tell me!! I just drained it. j/k I will be on the lookout for leaks.