Water in Fuel

[Thinkbig]

Okay, here's my problems.

After filling the D4 with a full tank of diesel, I dribbled some diesel down the side of the car, I reached for the watering can beside the bowser and splashed some around the filler and down the side of the car. I forgot to put the fuel cap on first. Doubt whether much water got into the fuel filler, but some would have. I'm about to go on a caravan trip in the morning - will the small amount of water that could have entered the tank be a problem? I assume no more than 1/2 cup would have got in, but can't be sure.

Any thoughts would be welcome.

[LandyAndy]

The filter has a water catcher,but it wont hold a cup.
Keep draining the tap on the filter to get rid of it.I doubt it will even get to the pickup in the tank,it should stay on the bottom.
Do we have a dash warning on the D4 for water in fuel???? Cant say that Ive seen one,it may come up as a fault in the centre dash display.
GOODLUCK
Andrew

[justinc]

You do not want water anywhere in a common rail engine.
Andy the water in fuel warning on a d4 is basically a warning triangle and engine fault reduced power etc note in the centre warning screen.

Jc

[LandyAndy]

Is there a tank drain on these JC???? If so loosening it should release the water before the diesel.Messy job,dont drop the drain plug!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Andrew

[Thinkbig]

Is there a tank drain on these JC???? If so loosening it should release the water before the diesel.Messy job,dont drop the drain plug!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Andrew
I was thinking the same thing. If it is possible can a novice do it? Also, were do I find the drain on the fuel filter - it is a 2.7l D4.

[LandyAndy]

I had a quick google.
Here is the fuel filter drain.
http://www.disco3.co.uk/gallery/albums/userpics/16686/fuel_sedimentor_drainage.pdf
Andrew

[justinc]

It is easy to do but yes you will most likely get it running down your arm...😑

Jc

[LandyAndy]

I just googled draining the tank,as I'm curious.
I got a South African Land Rover website.Somebody removed the tank guard,the whole tank comes out so don't do that.There is no tank drain plug:(:(:(
They mentioned there is a non return valve in the fuel line.
SO,its a matter of working out wich hose to remove,the fuel stays in the tank,then operate the non-return valve which would force the water out,assuming the hoses are at the bottom of the tank!!!!!!
There was little info in the thread so I didn't link it.
The brains trust may have done this before,see how we go for advice.
Andrew

[justinc]

The best way to do this is to drain the filter, then switch on the key and wait 15 seconds. Switch key off and then on again for 15 seconds. Do this 3 or 4 times then drain the filter again. There shouldn't be a lot left after the second time. The water warning is very sensitive in these it will go off if there is any in there.

[Thinkbig]

Thanks Andy.

Looks like I'll have to postpone the trip and get a professional to take a look next week. Can't risk doing another HP fuel pump etc. Thought so little water wouldn't be much of a problem, but looks like I'm wrong. The wife is about to castrate me at the moment.

[LandyAndy]

At least it didn't get filled with petrol.
Andrew

[Tombie]

I would add some Chemtech Diesel Power to the tank as well...

Disperses small amounts of water - the CRD should still handle it without issue.

[Thinkbig]

Thanks everyone for your assistance.

I took the D4 to MR Auto today and in the end they drained the tank and fitted a new fuel filter. There was barely any water, but couldn't take the risk. Only cost $130 plus the cost of the filter (and a tank full of diesel I suppose).

I also got another fuel filter and will leave it in the back just in case. Also bought some Chemtech Diesel Power - MR said it couldn't hurt.

[LRD414]

I took the D4 to MR Auto today and in the end they drained the tank and fitted a new fuel filter.
Do you know how they drained the tank?

Cheers,
Scott

[Thinkbig]

Hi Scott

Sorry didn't get the details on how they drained it - something about a pump and takes about an hour (I know that's pretty vague). I have to get a service when I get back from our trip, so I will ask more details then.