Dodge RAM 1500 1998 Owner's Manual page 1619

14 - 50 FUEL DELIVERY - DIESEL
FUEL DELIVERY - DIESEL (Continued)
ENGINE ROTATING (BARRING) TOOL - #7471B
(ALSO PART OF KIT #6860)
FUEL FILTER / WATER
SEPARATOR
DESCRIPTION
The fuel filter/water separator assembly is located
on left side of engine above the starter motor. The
assembly also includes the fuel heater, Water-In-Fuel
(WIF) sensor, and fuel transfer pump.
OPERATION
The fuel filter/water separator protects the fuel
injection pump by removing water and contaminants
from the fuel. The construction of the filter/separator
allows fuel to pass through it, but helps prevent
moisture (water) from doing so. Moisture collects at
the bottom of the canister.
Refer to the maintenance schedules in the owners
manual for the recommended fuel filter replacement
intervals.
For draining of water from canister, refer to Fuel
Filter/Water Separator Removal/Installation section.
A Water-In-Fuel (WIF) sensor is attached to the
side of fuel filter housing. Refer to Water-In-Fuel
Sensor Description/Operation.
The fuel heater is installed into the top of the fil-
ter/separator housing. Refer to Fuel Heater Descrip-
tion/Operation.
REMOVAL
Refer to maintenance schedules in this manual, or
the owners manual for recommended fuel filter
replacement intervals.
Draining water from fuel filter/water separa-
tor housing:
The housing drain valve (Fig. 3) serves two pur-
poses. One is to partially the drain filter housing of
excess water. The other is to completely the drain
housing for fuel filter, drain valve, heater element, ,
water-in-fuel sensor replacement or transfer pump
replacement.
The filter housing should be partially drained
whenever the water-in-fuel warning lamp remains
illuminated. (Note that lamp will be illuminated for
approximately two seconds when ignition key is ini-
tially placed in ON position for a bulb check).
(1) A drain hose (Fig. 3) is located at the bottom of
drain valve. Place drain pan under drain hose.
(2) With engine not running, rotate drain valve
handle counter-clockwise
(DRAIN) position. Hold drain valve open until all
water and contaminants have been removed and
clean fuel exits.
(3) If drain valve, fuel heater element or Water-In-
Fuel (WIF) sensor is being replaced, drain housing
completely. Dispose of mixture in drain pan according
to applicable regulations.
(4) After draining operation, rotate valve handle
clockwise (forward) to the CLOSE position.
(5) Fuel Filter Replacement: The fuel filter is
located inside of the fuel filter housing.
(a) Clean all debris from around canister.
(b) Remove filter lid (Fig. 4) using a socket.
Attach socket to large hex on top of lid (Fig. 4).
Rotate counter-clockwise for removal. Remove
o-ring. Discard o-ring.
(c) Remove filter element by twisting element
sideways from filter lid.
(6) Water-In-Fuel (WIF) Sensor Replacement:
The WIF sensor is located on the side of the fuel fil-
ter housing (Fig. 3).
(a) Disconnect electrical connector at sensor.
(b) Clean area around sensor.
(c) Remove sensor by rotating counter-clockwise.
(d) Check condition of sensor o-ring. Replace if
damaged.
(7) Fuel Heater Element Replacement: The
heater element is located in the fuel filter housing
(Fig. 3).
(a) Remove fuel filter. See previous steps.
(b) Disconnect electrical connector.
(c) Remove two T-15 Torx head mounting screws
from fuel heater element.
(d) Remove fuel heater.
(8) Drain Valve Replacement: The drain valve
assembly is located on the side of the fuel filter hous-
ing (Fig. 3).
(a) Disconnect drain hose from the fuel drain
valve.
(b) Remove 4 drain valve mounting screws (T-15
Torx head).
(c) Remove drain valve from filter housing.
INSTALLATION
Refer to maintenance schedules for recommended
fuel filter replacement intervals.
(1) Thoroughly clean inside of filter housing, filter
cap and all related components.
(2) Fuel Filter:
(a) The engine has a self-priming low-pres-
sure fuel system. Refer to Standard Proce-
dures-Fuel System Priming.
DR
(rearward) to OPEN