Water in Fuel Light

[todd.roberts]

On my '07 6.0 (48,000 miles), getting Water in Fuel light. Drained six times - first three had water, last three didn't. (The water collected was not even 10cc in the first drain using a mason jar.) Filled tank after fuel filter change. Any suggestions? Could it be a bad water sensor? Something else? I changed both fuel filters after the first drain. Truck sat for six months while I was in Afghanistan. Wife drove once every week or two, but just short distance. Just got back and WIF light went on about 60 miles after I began driving it.

[NYC F-350]

There is probably a bunch of junk/waxy crap in the HFCM close to the sensor. I am currently enjoying the "WIF" light and the tone after 5 minutes of starting it, with nothing but fuel when I drain. Driving me nuts....
I just need to find the time to pull it all apart.

[campbellflage]

did you drain the tank? I had this problem like 5 years ago on my early 99 when filling at a circle k with diesel I got a load of water and the truck light came on and then died like a half a mile from the station. Got it towed and dealership had to drain the tank and purge the fuel lines 2 times, not just drain the water separator.

[todd.roberts]

Thanks NYC F-350. One quick question. The sensor should be inside the fuel module behind where the filter sits?

[todd.roberts]

No, didn't drain the tank. Thought I had the problem solved with drain and replacement of fuel filters. Thanks for the response. Hope it doesn't come to that...

[campbellflage]

Originally Posted by todd.roberts

No, didn't drain the tank. Thought I had the problem solved with drain and replacement of fuel filters. Thanks for the response. Hope it doesn't come to that...

Yeah I got real lucky and another guys truck died like a mile past me, and a dump truck died while filling at the pump. Circle k paid out a little over 9k for my repairs, 2 visits at the ford dealer and 8 brand new injectors.

[NYC F-350]

If you had a crapload of water, you would get water out of the drain every time.
The HFCM on the 6.0 is notorious for this issue. It gunks up with the waxy build up, then when you do get some water, the light won't shut off until you clean the cover.
Here is a pic showing where the plug is to drain, and you can see the screws that you have to take out to get the cover off. The fuel line might have to come off. The sensor is on the right side. This pic is borrowed from a thread about a stripped drain plug.

[todd.roberts]

Thanks NYC F-350. I'll give it a try and let you know how I make out.

[amdriven2liv]

I read where someone did a trick to cleaning the sensor.

Can of carb cleaner with the little plastic tube.

Take the tube and heat a section of it up and curve it.

Then stick it in the can of carb cleaner and stick the tube in the drain hole and point it towards the sensor. Spray the dickens out of the sensor. Watch all the stuff that comes out.

If that doesn't work, well, you are just out some carb cleaner, then get a new sensor.

Here is a comment from another post

"Ok drined the water seperator today and used the Carb cleaner. MAN that was nasty. Full of hard deposits and yellow liquid came out after I sprayed. I waited 10 mins and got some qtips after it. Dried it up nice. Since I had to wait for that I also took my Bully breather of and recharged it, so I don't know if the WIF light will come again until I drive it. I'll keep this thread updated. I will give you guys some advice, this might be a good thing to do on a annual basis, just to clean out some of that gunk."

TSB on the matter:

HFCM and Fuel Pump ? - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

[NYC F-350]

Thank you very much for that link!!!
Now I just have to get out there and do it.