Checking for water at fuel filter.

[kkimura]

My tractor has a cartridge spin on fuel filter. There is a reusable drain plug at it's bottom but no way to see the fuel as in a glass sediment bowl. How often or under what conditions would you drain off fuel to inspect for water or debris?

 

[mercdv]

Unless you are seeing symptoms that could indicate water in the fuel, the tractor has been sitting with a partially filled tank for a year or more, fuel line damage, or the tractor got flooded; there really is no need to check in my honest opinion. It is very hard for water to get into a fuel system of a tractor that is in service at the level that the water will cause damage unless there is extenuating circumstances and you will usually notice some symptoms if it has.

 

[iflywhatevr]

Only if there was a problem.... rough running stalling etc. otherwise the filter is doing its job. The sensor on the bottom will let you know if there is enough water in there to be a problem. And if you have sediment that’s what the filter should be catching (or it’s time to change the filter). FWIW the sensor on the bottom can be quickly unscrewed to drain fuel without removing the entire filter if you really want to see what’s in there but really no need. Then of course you want to push the button on top where the filter attaches a few times after you put it back together to make sure you get the air out.

 

[kkimura]

Thanks mercdv, that's what I was thinking. At 10hrs I recall opening the drain to inspect the fuel. There was some white debris floating around and no water. I've checked a couple of times since (at least 2 fill ups) and the drain off has been clear. iflywhatevr, there is no sensor on my filter, the drain can be cracked open and fuel flows out a small spout. Thanks for taking the time to respond.

 

[LouNY]

It will not hurt to check for water routinely, monthly or every couple, definitely prior to freezing weather.

 

[Jerry/MT]

My tractor has a cartridge spin on fuel filter. There is a reusable drain plug at it's bottom but no way to see the fuel as in a glass sediment bowl. How often or under what conditions would you drain off fuel to inspect for water or debris?

Water in the fuel usually is the result of condensation occurring in a partially filled tank. To minimize this, try to keep your tank full especially if you don't use the tractor regularly. besides damaging the injector pump, water in the fuel can support bacteria (not algae) that live in the fuel/water interface and feed on the fuel. This leads to a snotty looking substance that can clog the fuel filter, the fuel tank strainer and the fuel lines.

You live in high rainfall /high humidity area so I'd keep the tank full of fuel and check it quarterly. If you don't keep the tank full, I'd check it monthly.

 

[RickB]

Cartridge spin on? Filters are either one or the other, not both. Spin on, you replace the element and can. Cartridge, you replace the element and re use the can.

 

[Oldoak]

It will not hurt to check for water routinely, monthly or every couple, definitely prior to freezing weather.

I agree, it doesn't hurt to check. However, I think once a year would be enough. Or start out checking at shorter intervals and extend that timeline if not water is found.

I disagree with those that say not to check unless/until you are having fuel problems. Waiting until then can lead to other problems which would have been preventable.

Also once source of contaminated fuel not mentioned, is always the possibility of a bad fill up from where the fuel is purchased. I had that happen years ago when water entered their underground storage tanks.