Cleaning Water from the Fuel System
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 GMC Sierra, 2004 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra, 2004 Chevrolet Silverado, and 2004 Chevrolet Cab & Chassis Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Disconnect the negative battery. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnect/Connect Procedure (Single Battery) or Battery Negative Cable Disconnect/Connect Procedure (Auxiliary Battery) in Engine Electrical.
- Remove the sending unit. Refer to Fuel Sender Assembly Replacement .
- Inspect the fuel tank and the fuel sender for rust, fungi or bacteria. If there is rust, replace the rusted components.
- Clean the inside of the fuel tank and the fuel sender with hot water.
- Use compressed air in order to dry the fuel tank and the fuel sender.
- Disconnect the ends of the following lines:
- The fuel filter inlet line (both ends)
- The transfer pump pressure line and suction line (if applicable)
- The fuel filter outlet line (both ends)
- The fuel filter drain
- The fuel return line (both ends)
- Inspect each of the pipes and lines.
- Replace any rusted pipes.
- Clean the inside of the fuel filter housing.
- Dry the fuel filter housing with compressed air.
- Dry the inside of each line with low pressure air.
- Remove the ignition 1 relay from the underhood relay center.
- Install a new fuel filter. Refer to Fuel Filter Replacement .
- Install the sending unit Refer to Fuel Sender Assembly Replacement .
- Add clean diesel fuel to the primary tank until the tank is 1/4 full.
- Reconnect the following lines:
- The fuel filter inlet line
- The fuel filter outlet line
- The transfer pump pressure and suction (both ends) lines
- The fuel return line (tank end)
- Connect the fuel filter drain to a line that flows into a clean metal container.
- Connect the batteries.
- Operate the fuel system hand primer at the fuel filter until clean fuel flows from the fuel filter drain into a metal container.
- Close the fuel filter drain and remove the bleeder hose.
- Install a hose on the fuel return line near the glow plug relay, and insert other end into a 7.6 liters (2 gallon) metal container.
- Crank the engine for 30 second time intervals, with 1 minute cool-down periods. Continue until 3.8 liters (1 gallon) of fuel has passed into the container.
- Connect the fuel return line.
- Install the ignition 1 relay in the underhood relay center.
- Start and run the engine.
- Stop the engine.
- Clean any fuel spillage from the engine.
- Fill the fuel tank and add a biocide, if needed.