How often should water separator be drained?

[rray32539]

I've had my 2005 F-250 Lariat since May, took it in for a second oil change at 7500 miles at the dealership in south Orlando. Those guys really went over the truck with a fine tooth comb, even though I did not buy the truck from them. One thing I did notice is one of the techs opening up the frame rail mounted fuel separator. Water started POURING out, it looked like a horse taking a leak! I don't know how much water was let out, but it was way more than I was comfortable with. Is draining the separator supposed to be part of the 5000 mile service interval? My dealership says drive until the light comes on.

 

[JohnBoyToo]

You'll get mixed responses on this one....
The manual has one set of instructions...
The climate you are in (yes) and the quality of your fuel you get really dictates how often it needs to be changed....

Some follow the manual,
Some do it VERY often...
Some rarely do it... and depend on the light....
my logic, why have a light to tell me if it doesn't serve a purpose ?
and given that I'm on my thrid Excursion may be supportive of my logic or not...
The first 02 7.3L had tranny problems and got it replaced by Ford
the second I traded cuz I wanted the last run of them - a nice 05!

 

[Bear Hunter]

That wasn't water...that was fuel coming out. If it has water in it you will see the droplets in the fuel.

Just drain it every oil change and you will be fine.

 

[rray32539]

Thanks!