Technical 2006 Ducato auto 2.8 JTD x244 fuel filter draining

[IceVovo]

Hi Guys.

re: 2006 x244 Fiat Ducato 2.8 JTD not starting. Actually engine fires then cuts out.

I am a newbie to FIAT Ducato.

Had to replace a cvjoint and my VAN was sitting for 2 months due to part issues.

Anyway, got van back together and no longer starts!
Suspect fuel now.

Does anyone know anything about these UFI fuel filters?
Am I able to drain this if there is water in the vehicle?

Photo attached of my filter and housing.
I don't know anything about it yet and thought I would see if anyone knows anything about it and anything to watch out for.

 

[Ocwobio]

It looks like there is a drain on the filter bowl. So would assume that this is what you would do-
put a length of tubing on the spigot at the canister bottom,( into ideally a clean container. You could just let things drain away onto the floor but let's not make a mess, plus, you can collect and inspect what comes out), then undo the screw above the spigot- do this with the ignition off, you may need to turn it on/start the engine to get the priming pump to run.If that is the case, look out for bubbles in the outflow, it may help if you have someone assist with this. Then I would close the screw again while the pump still runs to preclude air going back in.

 

[IceVovo]

It looks like there is a drain on the filter bowl. So would assume that this is what you would do-
put a length of tubing on the spigot at the canister bottom,( into ideally a clean container. You could just let things drain away onto the floor but let's not make a mess, plus, you can collect and inspect what comes out), then undo the screw above the spigot- do this with the ignition off, you may need to turn it on/start the engine to get the priming pump to run.If that is the case, look out for bubbles in the outflow, it may help if you have someone assist with this. Then I would close the screw again while the pump still runs to preclude air going back in.

Firstly, Thanks Ocwobio.

I did test this after your suggestions.

I put a tube onto the spigot, into a jar and opened the screw.

Key on, humm of fuel pump and jar filled very quickly.
Diesel in jar did not have any water in it.

Fuel Filter is self priming putting air back to fuel tank.
I just turned key on 3 times...waiting the 10 s without attempting starting.
Was some gurgling at first which stopped.

So fuelfilter drained and reprimed.

Van still not starting. Same issue. turns over, engine fires once then dies immediately.