Fuel filter draining?!

Hi all,

The fuel filter warning light on my 2003 Disco TD5 has been coming on recently, it tends to happen just before and after starting it and it goes out within about 30 seconds.

Is it worth trying to drain the water from the fuel filter? If so then do I just disconnect the sensor, unscrew it and let the contents of the filter empty into a bucket and then replace the sensor and connector or which the whole tank empty?

If I drain the filter as described above then can I just start the engine as normal or do I need to put the engine into a purge/prime setting? If so then how?

I have read loads of threads on the topic but am still confused.

If the above doesn’t work then how can I identify if it is the filter or sensor which is at fault?

Thanks,

Toby

Just turn the bottom plastic part attached to the bottom of the filter to drain any water present, then try the ignition , this works for me. You don't have to drain the whole filter.

Ok, thanks very much, and is there no need to put the ecu into bleed mode?

All I have ever done is as I have already said, my disco is 02 reg ,just turn the drain part anti clockwise a little way until fuel starts to drain off I have always found a very small amount do's the trick, might be time to also put a new filter on.

I kept a plastic blanking plug from a new filter and simply unscrew the sender so I can clean it and block the drain hole with the plastic plug so I dont lose too much fuel. The sender sometimes gets contaminated with sludge and can give false readings. No need to purge as the system is virtually self purging unless completely empty.

Hi all,

Situation update, I have tried draining the water (didn't seem to be any) and it made no difference. However on a very detailed and laborious review of the service history, it would appear that the filter hasn't been changed for 40,000 miles (when it should be changed every 24,000).

As such I am ordering a new filter and sensor (both third party) which I will fit myself. The Haynes manual says that there is no need to bleed or prime the fuel system following a fuel filter replacement however lots of the threads online suggest that it is necessary. What do you guys reckon?

Also, when I unscrew the old filter will the fuel flow out from where it was screwed in or not? (i.e. Will it **** a full tank of diesel across the drive?

Thanks,

Toby

You will only lose the fuel that is contained in the filter you are removing , no more from the tank, I think with a new filter you have sorted the problem, I change mine every 2 years or about 12,000miles they are cheep enough if you do it yourself.

blackdog1 said:

You will only lose the fuel that is contained in the filter you are removing , no more from the tank, I think with a new filter you have sorted the problem, I change mine every 2 years or about 12,000miles they are cheep enough if you do it yourself.

Click to expand...

Thanks! And is there any need to purge or prime the system or just start as normal?

sorry about the delay I am out of the country at the moment so don't have details of engine starting after filter change. But as I can remember Turn key to position 2 you should hear the pump running, repeat 2 more times' then floor the accelerator, and key to start ,engine should start .

No need for any fancy purging. Just turn the key to position II until the pump stops running then switch off and do the same three or four times. Then simply start the engine as normal.

You will loose a little fuel from the filter housing but not gallons. Just have the new filter ready to go on before you unscrew the old one.

I change mine yearly with the oil and air filters as they are relatively cheap.

It'll also help to fill the new filter with clean fuel before fitting
Griff