ok, I noticed it had been leaking a bit from under the fuel filter... not like a trickle or even noticeable drops now just idling, but enough that stuff underneath was all grimy from past use. So I figure air was getting in also. I couldn't tell if it was the water separator drain or the sensor. Anyway, I replaced with a wix 33617 filter and used the sensor from the original water sep housing and new o-ring. I filled the filter 50/50 with Lucas treatment and diesel. The tip of the sensor was quite corroded, and also the "water in fuel light" never comes on when the key is on before starting, so I'm guessing it isn't working anyway. It's a pricy little item and I'm not too concerned about WIF, so I guess I won't bother with replacing it now, maybe at next filter change. question: if I ground the wire that connects to sensor, should that make the "water in fuel" light glow, or what is proper way to test?
Engine started up and stayed running after just a couple secs cranking even though it had been sitting 24 hours and I just had the filter off. Then i drove it around a little and it would die any time I accelerate kinda hard and then sudden return to idle. Also, after I shut it off, it took 2-3 secs cranking to start. So I inspected... no fuel leak from the new filter, but anyway I tightened up the drain **** a bit more and heard the elec fuel pump lower pitch and bear down a bit more, so that tells me it was sucking in some air previously. After that, the engine stopped dying on sudden return to idle.
Will see if it starts up quickly in the morning or not. fingers crossed.
Also, the 2 new olives arrived today for the hard line between fuel filter housing and IP. If it starts right up, I guess I won't bother changing them, and just keep em on hand.
One worry... on the last start I didn't wait for WTS light to go out, and it cranked quite slowly, but still started. I realize this requires more amps, but still the batts should be ok I thought, but then I checked the alternator with multimeter and it's only putting out like 12.7v at idle. This makes me wonder if alternator is maybe going bad, as I was expecting more like 14. Hopefully voltage is just low cuz batts need charging.
Anyway, if it cranks slowly in the morning I will put charger on for a couple hours.
btw, With the wix 33617 filter, I don't see any way to attach the old drain hose+pipe, or really any kind of hose. Am I missing something? Anyway, f just removed them, which cleans engine bay up a little.