Low fuel warning light

[Wild Brambles]

I have an '05 Convoy, and recently the low fuel warning light has been coming on. I added £20 of diesel to the tank, and that didn't make any difference, so I assumed it was rats after a thrill buzz. There isn't any trace of that. After a bit of light reading, I'm starting to think that it is an indication or water in the fuel, and there is a fancy multi-coloured gauge on the top of the fuel filter that could be sending the signal. Does anybody else thing that this is a possibility? It's probably time I changed the filters anyway.

 

[Wild Brambles]

I'm surprised that nobody has commented on this topic.

I've done a bit more research, and it seems that there is a float in the filter that checks the amount of water that has built up in the filter base. Failing to drain this will lead to water getting into the engine, and can cause some serious damage. Diesel engines use the fuel as a lubricant, and too much water will reduce this. Some filters have automatic drains, and if yours is one of this type, then there is a malfunction, and you need to have the system checked. Mine is a manual drain system, and it is an easy operation. I just need to slacken a knurled lock ring, and allow the fuel/water mix to flow out of a small drain pipe. Collect the mixture in a clear glass jar, and look for particulate discolouration. If you see any, then you will need to replace the filter as well. Keeping the fuel clean and free of air and water helps with starting the engine, and will prolong the life of your engine and components. A few pounds spent now, will save you having to spend hundreds later.

 

[chaser]

I have an '05 Convoy, and recently the low fuel warning light has been coming on. I added £20 of diesel to the tank, and that didn't make any difference, so I assumed it was rats after a thrill buzz. There isn't any trace of that. After a bit of light reading, I'm starting to think that it is an indication or water in the fuel, and there is a fancy multi-coloured gauge on the top of the fuel filter that could be sending the signal. Does anybody else thing that this is a possibility? It's probably time I changed the filters anyway.

That multi coloured gauge should tell you , if it's red it wants draining, othwise should be ok.
But there is a screw thing under the filter, just undo it a bit and you will see if it's water or diesel, no need to take it out completely just loosen it else it's sometimes a job to get it back in.

 

[tonyidle]

There's never a fuel/water mix - it simply doesn't. Drain the filter until the water leaving is replaced by Diesel. Personally I have never found any water in the filter: it's normally caused by running or, more often, parking up for Winter with a nearly empty tank.

 

[Wild Brambles]

I think that some of the more modern filters have an automatic drain facility, but it's probably still worth checking to see that it is working correctly. I try to keep the fuel tank pretty full, especially in the winter, but I gather that diesel fuel from the pump can have traces of water in it, and this can accumulate. You can also create problems by over tightening a jubilee clip if that is being used to secure a fuel hose. The clip digs into the hose, and causes the end to bell our and split, and can allow the ingress of damp air.

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[Wild Brambles]

Update.

It's a bit cramped under the fuel filter, so I had to cut the bottom off a pop bottle. I disabled the sender connection, and unscewed the drain collar. I didn't take it out, as it is a bit of a problem to get it back in I believe. I only managed to get a couple of drips out though. I looked in the filter warning window, and things look a bit dirty in there. My guess is that the filter is pretty dirty, and there is sediment in the bottom of the housing. I bought a filter set - oil, fuel and air, together with 10 litres of oil. I only need 7, but there isn't much difference in price between 5+1+1 and 10, so I've got some spare. Not that the Duratorq seems to use any oil.

I'm a bit miffed because I have a retired mechanic who does most of the work on my vehicles, but he seems to only do the minimum to save me money, and he doesn't do all the job that I want done. I've started to do most of the work myself, so that's Christmas sorted. I'll give the filter housing a good clean out, and I'll let you guys know if it solves the problem.

 

[Figaro]

I have a retired mechanic who does most of the work on my vehicles, but he seems to only do the minimum

Like most mechanics I think

 

[Wild Brambles]

I forgot to mention that after retightening after my two drips, the light has gone out. I'll carry on with the service though, and give the van a Christmas present.

 

[chaser]

I forgot to mention that after retightening after my two drips, the light has gone out. I'll carry on with the service though, and give the van a Christmas present.

Yes but did you Remember to put the sender connection back?

 

[Wild Brambles]

Yes but did you Remember to put the sender connection back?

Is that like a return address? - Oh wait, that applies to Amazon orders

It didn't go out when I took it off, but I didn't wait for the recommended 5 seconds.

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[chaser]

Is that like a return address? - Oh wait, that applies to Amazon orders

It didn't go out when I took it off, but I didn't wait for the recommended 5 seconds.

Return to sender, good old Elvis

 

[Wild Brambles]

No that song was "Don't step on my red suede bumpers" - That is LDV speak for rusty bars.

The sequel was "return to sander",

 

[TheBig1]

surprising how much crud and sedimentation builds up in the filter/housing on older vans. dirt from the fuel, algae and bacteria from storage tanks, rubber hoses perishing, it all adds up. Leaving it to get badly clogged leads to very major issues. A filter change at a minimum of yearly is essential maintenance, the same as oil changes

 

[Wild Brambles]

Here is a picture of the fuel filter indicator.

https://offgridcamper.com/media/blogs/photos/quick-uploads/ldv-convoy-fuel-condition-indicator/diesel-fuel-conditiin-indicator.jpg?mtime=1577178024

It looks to me as if the fuel filter is a bit clogged, as well as the possibility of water in the filter. Anyway it is definitely time for a filter change and a bowl cleaning.