Fuel Filter Water Separator Replacement Cost Estimate

When the engine control module (ECM) has detected the presence of water in the fuel, the water separator will be emptied if possible and replaced if not. Otherwise, no diagnosis is necessary when determining when to replace the fuel filter and water separator.

Replacement of the fuel filter and water separator combination canister is as simple as changing an oil filter. It is done by unscrewing the filter from the filter housing using a filter wrench, cleaning the sealing surface, and installing the new filter. Remember, this filter is in a low pressure location of the fuel system, so diesel will not overpower the seal for the filter. If the water separator can be drained, there is typically a small drain to release the water from the filter housing.

We recommend sticking exactly to the manufacturer specification for maintaining the fuel system. Diesel engines are extremely dependant on high grade diesel fuels, and contamination will cause premature failure at some rate. Providing additional maintenance is at the discretion of the owner, and will cause no harm to the vehicle.

Though diesel fuel has a low flash point, it is still flammable. Water drained from the water separator should be treated as and disposed of as fuel. Though it is water based, it is still a volatile liquid. Also, avoid dumping this water into drains or garbage as proper disposal methods are always available.

This is a maintenance item that can be handled by anyone with a filter wrench and a bottle. In some cases one or two basic tools may be required. It is important that the vehicle be parked on a flat surface, especially if the water separator drain plug is located underneath the vehicle, and the wheels should be blocked with chocks and the parking brake. It is extremely important to contain the water from the fuel and water separator, thus preventing it from being poured into the soil or evaporating into the atmosphere.