Water In Fuel Indicator: Testing and Inspection

Fig. 4 Water in fuel detector & tank purge procedure. 1980---84:

DESCRIPTION & OPERATION
1980---84
The Water In Fuel warning system employs an electronic water detector mounted inside the fuel tank on the fuel gauge sending unit. The detector provides a warning when 1---21/2 gallons of water are present in the fuel tank by lighting a warning lamp on the instrument panel. The sending unit assembly also contains a provision for siphoning off water in the fuel tank through the fuel return line, Fig. 4.
The Water In Fuel lamp will come on for 2---5 seconds each time ignition is switched to Run position to ensure lamp is operating. If water is present in fuel, the lamp will come on after a 15---20 second delay and remain on.

Fig. 5 Water in fuel detector. 1985---88:

1985---88
The Water In Fuel warning system employs a fuel detector integral with the fuel filter and fuel heater, Fig. 5, and mounted on the engine. When more than 2.2 ounces of water has collected in the filter, the Water In Fuel lamp on the instrument panel will light. After the light comes on, the filter should be drained as soon as possible and must be drained within 2 hours of operation.




1985---88
1. If warning lamp lights intermittently, drain water from fuel filter.
2. If warning lamp remains lit with engine running and ambient temperature above 32°F, drain fuel filter immediately. If lamp remains lit, replace filter.
3. If warning lamp remains lit with engine running and ambient temperature 32°F or below, drain fuel filter immediately. If water is frozen and cannot be drained, open air bleed to check for fuel pressure. If no fuel pressure is present, replace filter.
4. If warning lamp lights at high speed or under heavy acceleration, the fuel filter is plugged and must be replaced.
5. If warning lamp remains lit and engine stalls and will not restart after initial start-up, then fuel filter or fuel lines may be plugged. Repair or replace as necessary.
6. If warning lamp remains lit and engine stalls and will not restart immediately after refueling, a large quantity of water has likely been pumped into the fuel tank and the tank should be purged.