Your Water in Fuel Light WIF dash warning came on.
I've added this post from further down in this thread to help to keep things in perspective.
PLEASE read this post before continuing.
****
"To try to put the possibly lengthy future discussion here [and in other threads] in perspective...
Most Sprinter owners will never, ever in their lifetime get a WIF dash warning. Being aware that a WIF warning can be serious is a good thing. Worrying about the WIF dash warning which you will likely never get is wasted effort.
My advice is:
Should the unfortunate WIF situation happen to you, all of us have been given some methods to make certain the fuel is brought back to proper quality. There are remedies.
It can end up being very expensive to try to just ride through a wet fuel situation unless you can quantify the level of contamination."
****
Some great advice by Poddydodger.
I always pay by card and keep my receipts for a time. I hadn't thought to add the odometer reading on the receipt.
It appears that the AEM may trigger false WIF warnings in some NCV3 models. See post #107 further below.
The original WIF thread before additions/edits starts here.
There have been quite a few discussions in the forum as to how much damage can be done by water in your diesel fuel. It is not a myth. Water can cause serious damage to the Sprinter injectors and other fuel system components. Claims are that the newer NCV3 model engines are more susceptible than the older T1N I5 engines.
The Sprinters have a Water In Fuel WIF monitor system which is designed to alert the operator of a water problem. There is also a procedure to drain off a small amount of water from the fuel filter. The system can work, but it is important to not expect too much from the WIF sensor/drain procedures.
What to do?
My opinions only. I have no data.
If you get the WIF warning then the first thing that should be done is to stop operating the vehicle and apply the water drain procedure. That may buy you some time.
The next step is kinda hard to actually commit to, but it really should be done. Use the time that you just bought by draining the filter to get to where the fuel filter can be replaced. Once you get the WIF alarm it is likely that the fuel filter water separation ability has been compromised or even overwhelmed. Changing the filter will at least get you back to OEM standard. Buy an extra spare filter to have on hand.
So you changed the filter, drove for a while and now the WIF warning activates again. Sorry. You need to stop operating your Sprinter right now and get it towed to where the fuel tank can be emptied and then properly cleaned to get rid of the water. Do not press on. You will likely cause a bunch of damage which could plague you for years to come, or at least until all the affected components have totally failed one by one to be replaced.
Worried about towing cost being covered? Remove and stash the fuel pump relay. That accomplishes 2 things. It makes your Sprinter not run so road service is required. It keeps others from starting your Sprinter and pumping any water around into your fuel system.
What I would NOT do after getting a WIF warning.
Ignore a WIF warning.
Use water dispersant additives of ANY kind (after getting the warning). Additives can cause the water to slip by your OEM filter.
Use the water drain procedure multiple times with the thought that you will ride through the problem.
Typical Sprinter Fuel Filter
Thanks goes to CJPJ for the diagram.
Some information for emptying the fuel tank to reduce the weight is here. The tank will need to be cleaned, not just pumped out.
https://sprinter-source.com/forums/showthread.php?p=210560#post210560
Adding a pre-filter is said to help.
My idea, since expanded by input that includes some other member's solutions, for a fuel system MAHLE KL 313 pre-filter which MAY help the WIF fuel monitor to perform a bit better is here. The MAHLE KL 313 filter is used OEM on some MB vehicles. It will not restrict flow when installed before the Sprinter filter (unless it gets plugged)
https://sprinter-source.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45146
https://sprinter-source.com/forums/showthread.php?p=433511
Some discussion regarding improving the OEM Water In Fuel monitor and response is found here.
Peas and Carrots
https://sprinter-source.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43670
Be warned. That thread has over 100 postings as of this thread being created.
Please feel free to add general information to this thread. Please do not ask specific questions or start discussion about pre-filtering solutions or other subjects. Anything off-topic will be deleted.
If you found this thread by searching for a solution for water in your fuel tank, Best of Luck to you.
vic
Added:
From another forum. I like this Aussie's style. Mydmax seems to have a good handle on diesel filtration. I like his ability to make things a bit clearer. (PUN intended.)
Apparently the Sprinter OEM water design is the "Detects water but doesn't really stop the water, you have to act to do that". That means it has the manual drain to empty the filter unit of the small volume that can be stopped.
"The Water detecting systems generally don't dewater the emulsified water in the fuel and require a dewatering and particulate filter to be working in conjunction with the detecting feature to realistically provide a good insurance policy."
Apparently the OM612 tank can be emptied by siphoning. No fuel pump is needed, but it will speed the process up. A floor jack can be used to raise the rear end if you don't happen to have a forklift handy. Thanks goes to Skippy and Emu.
http://www.harborfreight.com/multi-use-transfer-pump-66418.html
Added:
This video shows how a fuel pump works. There is a swirl pot or cup that is filled to assure the components are properly supplied with fuel regardless of the tank level.
I've added this post from further down in this thread to help to keep things in perspective.
PLEASE read this post before continuing.
****
"To try to put the possibly lengthy future discussion here [and in other threads] in perspective...
Most Sprinter owners will never, ever in their lifetime get a WIF dash warning. Being aware that a WIF warning can be serious is a good thing. Worrying about the WIF dash warning which you will likely never get is wasted effort.
My advice is:
Should the unfortunate WIF situation happen to you, all of us have been given some methods to make certain the fuel is brought back to proper quality. There are remedies.
It can end up being very expensive to try to just ride through a wet fuel situation unless you can quantify the level of contamination."
****
Keep Your Fuel Receipts!To try to put the possibly lengthy future discussion here [and in other threads] in perspective...
Most Sprinter owners will never, ever in their lifetime get a WIF dash warning. Being aware that a WIF warning can be serious is a good thing. Worrying about the WIF dash warning which you will likely never get is wasted effort.
My advice is:
Should the unfortunate WIF situation happen to you, all of us have been given some methods to make certain the fuel is brought back to proper quality. There are remedies.
It can end up being very expensive to try to just ride through a wet fuel situation unless you can quantify the level of contamination.
vic
Some great advice by Poddydodger.
I always pay by card and keep my receipts for a time. I hadn't thought to add the odometer reading on the receipt.
Your experience post AEM (aka Approved Emissions Modification)My diesel mechanic advised me to always pay by card, always buy the same brand eg Caltex, BP and always write kms on receipt, this way you have come-back for dirty diesel.
Rob.
It appears that the AEM may trigger false WIF warnings in some NCV3 models. See post #107 further below.
The original WIF thread before additions/edits starts here.
There have been quite a few discussions in the forum as to how much damage can be done by water in your diesel fuel. It is not a myth. Water can cause serious damage to the Sprinter injectors and other fuel system components. Claims are that the newer NCV3 model engines are more susceptible than the older T1N I5 engines.
The Sprinters have a Water In Fuel WIF monitor system which is designed to alert the operator of a water problem. There is also a procedure to drain off a small amount of water from the fuel filter. The system can work, but it is important to not expect too much from the WIF sensor/drain procedures.
What to do?
My opinions only. I have no data.
If you get the WIF warning then the first thing that should be done is to stop operating the vehicle and apply the water drain procedure. That may buy you some time.
The next step is kinda hard to actually commit to, but it really should be done. Use the time that you just bought by draining the filter to get to where the fuel filter can be replaced. Once you get the WIF alarm it is likely that the fuel filter water separation ability has been compromised or even overwhelmed. Changing the filter will at least get you back to OEM standard. Buy an extra spare filter to have on hand.
So you changed the filter, drove for a while and now the WIF warning activates again. Sorry. You need to stop operating your Sprinter right now and get it towed to where the fuel tank can be emptied and then properly cleaned to get rid of the water. Do not press on. You will likely cause a bunch of damage which could plague you for years to come, or at least until all the affected components have totally failed one by one to be replaced.
Worried about towing cost being covered? Remove and stash the fuel pump relay. That accomplishes 2 things. It makes your Sprinter not run so road service is required. It keeps others from starting your Sprinter and pumping any water around into your fuel system.
What I would NOT do after getting a WIF warning.
Ignore a WIF warning.
Use water dispersant additives of ANY kind (after getting the warning). Additives can cause the water to slip by your OEM filter.
Use the water drain procedure multiple times with the thought that you will ride through the problem.
Typical Sprinter Fuel Filter
Thanks goes to CJPJ for the diagram.
Some information for emptying the fuel tank to reduce the weight is here. The tank will need to be cleaned, not just pumped out.
https://sprinter-source.com/forums/showthread.php?p=210560#post210560
Adding a pre-filter is said to help.
My idea, since expanded by input that includes some other member's solutions, for a fuel system MAHLE KL 313 pre-filter which MAY help the WIF fuel monitor to perform a bit better is here. The MAHLE KL 313 filter is used OEM on some MB vehicles. It will not restrict flow when installed before the Sprinter filter (unless it gets plugged)
https://sprinter-source.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45146
https://sprinter-source.com/forums/showthread.php?p=433511
Some discussion regarding improving the OEM Water In Fuel monitor and response is found here.
Peas and Carrots
https://sprinter-source.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43670
Be warned. That thread has over 100 postings as of this thread being created.
Please feel free to add general information to this thread. Please do not ask specific questions or start discussion about pre-filtering solutions or other subjects. Anything off-topic will be deleted.
If you found this thread by searching for a solution for water in your fuel tank, Best of Luck to you.
vic
Added:
From another forum. I like this Aussie's style. Mydmax seems to have a good handle on diesel filtration. I like his ability to make things a bit clearer. (PUN intended.)
Apparently the Sprinter OEM water design is the "Detects water but doesn't really stop the water, you have to act to do that". That means it has the manual drain to empty the filter unit of the small volume that can be stopped.
"The Water detecting systems generally don't dewater the emulsified water in the fuel and require a dewatering and particulate filter to be working in conjunction with the detecting feature to realistically provide a good insurance policy."
mydmax said:Re: Feedback on Fuel water separator filters?
Doggie39
Be sure of what you ask for because of the following:
There are water separators.
There are particulate filters. Just/only a filter.
There are water detectors ie Water Watch. Detects water but doesn't really stop the water, you have to act to do that.
There are filters which filter particulate matter and mostly dewater the emulsified water contained in the fuel.
Some commonly used popular/well known filters like CAV filter and have a water bowl but don't have the flow rate ability required for CRD and modern pre CRD Toyotas.
The Water detecting systems generally don't dewater the emulsified water in the fuel and require a dewatering and particulate filter to be working in conjunction with the detecting feature to realistically provide a good insurance policy.
The micron size of the filter has to be around 10 micron or less to be adding filtering ability for a CRD engine..If the micron size is around 2 or 3 micron, that is good but it also will block more easily and presents a greater restriction to flow, so it has to be a much bigger filter area to overcome this/any restriction to flow rates if that micron size is used. Much dearer too.
The Water Watch detects the water but doesn't stop water and it allows emulsified water contained in the fuel to continue to the inj pump. Not so bad on conventional diesel but not good for a CRD engine at all. With Water Watch you have to act immediately to stop fuel and water from getting to the engine.. Drain and continue with just fuel and hope no emulsified water got through. These are very at what they do though and saves the day with globs of water present..
Some filters dewater and filter but don't have a water detecting feature to warn you. It can be there and you don't know until it builds up and triggers the OE filter warning system Expensive ones do warn you. $300 upwards.
Choices as I see it:
Use a Water Watch and act immediately and pray no emulsified water is present if you have CRD.
Use above and add dewatering filter too.
Use a dewatering and filtering unit and check frequently.
Pay hundreds of money for all the bells and whistles model which detects, dewaters and filters too.
<snip>
mydmax
http://www.4wdaction.com.au/forum/viewtopic.php?f=118&t=142583
mydmax said:Doing something to aid filtering is better than nothing.
...
Mercedes Benz has provided a Water In Fuel WIF monitor system. Anyone who has been reading here now knows that it is flirting with disaster to not properly respond to a WIF warning. It is a warning as to water in your fuel. The drain procedure is not a cure if there is too much water for it to handle.
Many of the WIF disaster stories have included trying to address the WIF problem using the OEM drain capability and dispersant additives. Unfortunately for them, but fortunately for those who will listen, we now know to not mess around if a WIF warning comes up on your dash.
I'm likely going to install a Mahle pre-filter. Partially because it will make my future filter changes less expensive and easier to do.
...
vic
Apparently the OM612 tank can be emptied by siphoning. No fuel pump is needed, but it will speed the process up. A floor jack can be used to raise the rear end if you don't happen to have a forklift handy. Thanks goes to Skippy and Emu.
A cheap transfer pump will get the siphon started without risk of fuel ingestion/aspiration.Was shifting about a ton and a half of stuff to my country property. Stopped at a very small country service station to get fuel and one of their very nice ham and salad rolls.
Tank was about a quarter full, had just put in 57 litres when I realised I was filling with Petroleum instead of Diesel. I went inside the servo to pay for the fuel and ask for assistance. The Lady behind the counter, said it was a common problem and that she would get "Tony " who would know what to.
Tony had a quick look underneath and said, no drain plug, will have to siphon it. ( my sprinter does not have the pump in the tank )
I started the sprinter and drove it about 10metres off the forecourt. Switching the motor off immediately.
Tony supplied me with a length of garden hose and severel empty 20litre oil drums.
I managed to siphon out about 60 litres via the fuel filler, before the flow stopped. My calculations told me there was still a significant amount of fuel in the tank. I asked Tony if he had a trolley jack, so as to lift the whole rear end of the sprinter to make the fuel move towards the front of the tank. He fired up his forklift, and gently placed the forks under the towbar. No problem lifting the whole rear end ( even with the weight I had on board ), the rear tyres were about 8 inches off the ground. Magnificent, managed to siphon several more litres.
Removed the fork lift, started the motor and reversed back the 10 metres to the pump. Switched the motor off immediately. I filled the tank to the brim with fresh diesel . I estimate there may have been about 2 to 3 litres remaining in the tank. ( which would have been a mix of petroleum and diesel ).I paid for the fuel, and gave Tony $20 for his help. The sprinter started as per normal, I drove it off the forecourt and let it idle for a few minutes.
It never missed a beat, no coughing etc. Has been ok ever since.For peace of mind, I did change the fuel filter at the next service.
http://www.harborfreight.com/multi-use-transfer-pump-66418.html
Added:
For those who may be interested."Still has a space for the water". There may be a space, but there is no separating membrane.Check this
Million Mile Sprinter.com
bill
I checked with the manufacturer for the MAHLE KL 313 fuel filter which is used on many MB V6 diesel engines. The filters that don't have a WIF warning and drain capability don't have any water separation technology included in the design.
The space at the bottom of the filter housings may work as a catch space for heavy debris, but it is not there to catch and retain water.
The MAHLE KL 313 or equivalent is also an "air leak free" filter. The only openings are the fuel inlet and outlet.
vic
This video shows how a fuel pump works. There is a swirl pot or cup that is filled to assure the components are properly supplied with fuel regardless of the tank level.
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