HFCM Drain Plug Partially Disintegrated and Went Into the HFCM

3715 Views 33 Replies 7 Participants Last post by Jholden19, 9 d ago

Jholden19

Discussion Starter · 1 mo ago (Edited)

I opened my HFCM drain plug today to swap out the plug and release the pressure in the fuel system so I could install a fuel pressure monitor. Here is what the plug looked like when I removed it

I am not the original owner and have never fully taken the drain plug out. Just cracked the plug to release pressure. The plug was leaking after my last filter change.

When I screwed in the new plug I felt some resistance before the plug was fully seated and then release. I suspect that fragment of the plug is now in my HFCM.

How critical is it for me to clean out or replace the HFCM before starting the vehicle?

Thanks

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bismic

· #2 · 1 mo ago

Take off the manifold cover and remove the broken piece(s)

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6LiterTeter

· #3 · 1 mo ago

X2 on the above. It is possible that the plug was overly tightened at some point. I’ve seen some rust on the end of some but never a broken one like that. I would remove the entire hfcm assembly, disassemble, inspect, clean.

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TooManyToys

· #4 · 1 mo ago

I don't think it is fragmented. Based on the two HFCMs I did a forensics video on, it most likely corroded from water never being removed from the HFCM. If the cover threads are not bad, you are probably OK getting a new plug, which should be the upgraded brass plug with the large, knurled head.

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Jholden19

Discussion Starter · #5 · 1 mo ago

Thanks for the help. I took the manifold off and the lower chamber had a brown rusty sludge at the bottom. There were no solid fragments. Seems the the drain plug just corroded away.

Reactions: 1

6LiterTeter

· #6 · 1 mo ago

Jholden19 said:
Thanks for the help. I took the manifold off and the lower chamber had a brown rusty sludge at the bottom. There were no solid fragments. Seems the the drain plug just corroded away.

The nurled plug Jack suggested is definitely an improvement. Turn by hand… I still end up with diesel fuel on my shirt during filter changes.

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TooManyToys

· #7 · 1 mo ago

1/2 gal

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bismic

· #8 · 1 mo ago (Edited)

Good to get that sludge out of there regardless!!

Knurled Knob style HFCM drain plug: 6E7Z-9C082-A

www.dieselfiltersonline.com

[6E7Z-9C082-A]Ford HFCM (Horizontal Fuel Conditioning Module) drain plug(2589259c91)

[6E7Z-9C082-A]Ford HFCM (Horizontal Fuel Conditioning Module) drain plug(2589259c91)

www.dieselfiltersonline.com

Buy a bunch of filters at the same time and get free shipping ($250 purchased). It is a great place to buy filters!

The only Dorman product I like (but who knows how reliable and leak free it is):

Loading…

www.autozone.com

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6LiterTeter

· #9 · 1 mo ago

TooManyToys said:
1/2 gal

View attachment 793954

Very cool idea!

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bismic

· #10 · 1 mo ago

Another option (home made):

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TooManyToys

· #11 · 1 mo ago

I've probably had that milk carton in use for 15 years. It shields your holding hand from splash, although it's been that long since I've moved my HFCM to behind the transfer case, and my memory is a little fuzzy on the application with a driveshaft next to it.

Reactions: 1

6LiterTeter

· #12 · 1 mo ago

TooManyToys said:
I've probably had that milk carton in use for 15 years. It shields your holding hand from splash, although it's been that long since I've moved my HFCM to behind the transfer case, and my memory is a little fuzzy on the application with a driveshaft next to it.

If only there was a write up on the relocation of the hfcm (aka the diesel shower head).

TooManyToys

· #13 · 1 mo ago

Another thump on the back of the head. LOL.

Reactions: 2

Jholden19

Discussion Starter · #14 · 1 mo ago

Will get the hand turn drain. Got the fuel pressure monitor installed and fuel pressure is 45 to 50.

Gonna pull the hcfm to fully clean and likely install a new fuel pump.

Heavy_GD

· #15 · 1 mo ago

Throw it away and replace it, its a wear item.

Reactions: 2

jokester00

· #16 · 1 mo ago

Jholden19 said:
Will get the hand turn drain. Got the fuel pressure monitor installed and fuel pressure is 45 to 50. Gonna pull the hcfm to fully clean and likely install a new fuel pump.

I would start with the blue spring upgrade 1st before jumping into the HFCM cleaning/replacement.

-jokester

Reactions: 5

6LiterTeter

· #17 · 1 mo ago

That’s definitely a lack of proper, regular maintenance. Each time the filter is replaced, the housing needs to be sprayed down inside (flushed out).

I use non chlorinated brake cleaner. Oh, some sprayed back directly in your eye? There Ya go, you’re doing it right then.

Seriously though, the unit should also be removed, disassembled, and cleaned once a year during a filter change.

I replaced both on our trucks around 115k and again at 215k. @Heavy_GD is absolutely right. It is a wear item and our poor quality US diesel doesn’t help it any.

Reactions: 2

TooManyToys

· #18 · 1 mo ago

Hey Mark, I know you were just showing options, but I have a reason I don't like modifications like that to the plugs. Drilling and tapping, and the wall of the fitting, tends to raise the outlet to a point where not all the water and gel can get out. The cover's design has the best chance of clearing it to the bottom of the reservoir.

However, as the counterpoint, if it's easier, at least some, or the majority, will come out if it's easier to drain and promotes better maintenance. But I don't think the knurled plug is that hard to remove, despite Ryan getting a bath.

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bismic

· #19 · 1 mo ago (Edited)

I agree that it adds height. I also agree that the knurled knob design is plenty workable by itself.

That said, the amount of level raised (ie thickness of the wall of the knurled knob that was modified) was less than 1/8 of an inch (closer to 1/16"). The Quick Drain valve was larger internal diameter, so the open area of the drain valve did not add any height. The "purist" in us both realize that ANY height increase can contribute to a larger stagnant area and promote more bacteria growth (or sludge collection). Can't argue with the possibility. I just felt that the risk was small since I was able to machine the adapter fitting to such a thin wall.

Hasn't been an issue for me for the last 5 (maybe more) years.

I do acknowledge though, that just because it has worked for me doesn't mean it will work in all situations. We tend to have VERY few issues with fuel quality down here.

In some things, I do not mind my truck being a guinea pig.

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bismic

· #20 · 1 mo ago

Just reflecting a bit more on it, probably the biggest issue with my modified drain is the length of it. It would seem to be easier for some gooey mess to flow out of an open hole, than having to also flow through my valve.

Plus, some people spray WD40 in the open hole from time-to-time to clear it out as much as possible. Not really a possibility with mine.

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