I'm not sure if I've seen on here or elsewhere, but I could have sworn that I saw a replacement for the WIF that wasn't the GM sensor. I think mine is shot, again, so I was going to go for the alternative of the aluminum plug and do it once and for all. I'm not sure if it was a vendor or if it was someone else. Anyone else know what I'm talking about, and if you do can you link me?

glad I saw this, I changed my filter the other night and managed to pull one of the wires out of the plastic, called the dealer and $80 to replace it.

I thought I saw them on merchants web site, forget how much but was less than $80. They also had a wrench for removing the sensor from the filter.

Eric sells the OEM WIF sensors.
http://www.merchant-automotive.com/waterinfuelsensor.aspx

What is wrong with your WIF sensor?

I know Eric sells the WIFs, but lets just say it wouldn`t be economical to buy it from him and ship it up here.

This is the second one now thats gone south (first one was wires, this one is cracked somewhere) so why replace it time and time again. A plug with a water drain pepcock on I`m done once and for all. Not that the water sensor isn`t important, but I`ve never seen mine come on the either. But, thats not a bad thing though either so.

I've seen a few that doesnt work even though the filter is half full of water anyhow..

I've seen a few that doesnt work even though the filter is half full of water anyhow..

Yip, same here.

GM Parts Direct has them for $40. PN 97384931.

Mark

If you're only looking for a plug, a WIF with broken wire will fit that need.
If the WIF is leaking, are you sure the large O-ring isn't leaking?
Also the drain valve has a small O-ring, (metric size I believe), that can leak over time. Maybe you just need O-rings. Find the size and keep spares.

I'm still using my original WIF after 8 years and about 12 filter changes. Changed small O-ring once. O-rings seal very easy, and it's easy to over-tighten them.

I change all the orings everytime I change the filter, and now its starting to leak so rather than wait for it to fail I want to find something before that and substitute it on the next change.

them damn wif sensors, why cant they make the wires about 3-4 inches longer, would it hurt to crimp a small extension in there, cuz being an electrician its not good for that small wire to be puled that tight, thats my main complaint about them

Good point skleppy, I'm looking for the same thing. Replaced mine twice and again the wire is broken. I have a dual filter setup so really I don't need this filter, but I like to have it for backup. Would sure like to find something else to replace that sensor.

Also the drain valve has a small O-ring, (metric size I believe), that can leak over time. Maybe you just need O-rings. Find the size and keep spares.

I change all the orings everytime I change the filter, and now its starting to leak so rather than wait for it to fail I want to find something before that and substitute it on the next change.

I wasn't real clear talking about the O-rings.
Two O-rings come with each new filter, the large filter O-ring, and the silver dollar size WIF O-ring.
The small O-ring I was referring to in post above is smaller than a dime, and fits inside and seals the filter drain valve.
If this fails, the filter drain may leak when closed.This O-ring is not included with new filters.

I wasn't real clear talking about the O-rings.
Two O-rings come with each new filter, the large filter O-ring, and the silver dollar size WIF O-ring.
The small O-ring I was referring to in post above is smaller than a dime, and fits inside and seals the filter drain valve.
If this fails, the filter drain may leak when closed.This O-ring is not included with new filters.

This doesn't solve the problem of a cracked sensor housing, do we have another alternative to replace it. Rather than spending $80-$100.

I'm on Board with MaxBoost on this one. They cut that wire within 1/2" of not fitting. Just an extra inch, would have been so much easier to change.

Glad I got it done last weekend when it was close to 50°. had a run of cold, but only down to like -15 here, a veritable heat wave for you Northern crowd.

BTW, if you cut that WIF wire, will the truck still run? I suspect it'll throw a code, but I'm wondering if you need one of them as a spare. If the truck won't run without it, $50 bucks might be cheap insurance to have one on the shelf when you tear the wires out of the old one.

mine is running fine and hasnt thrown any codes, I was worried about that when I broke my wire, I am tempted not to worry about it and just run without it working, any thoughts on that???

mine is running fine and hasnt thrown any codes, I was worried about that when I broke my wire, I am tempted not to worry about it and just run without it working, any thoughts on that???

My WIF wires have been broken for 3 years, 30,000 miles and 6 filter changes with no ill effects and no codes. Things a POS if you ask me.

Its not the broken wires that I'm worried about, I don't really care about that to much. Its the cracking and the overall wear that the piece of plastic that is always soaked in diesel fuel is taking and then subsequently failling. May have to visit the fab shop I'm a thinkin'.

Would anyone be interested in a drawing of an aluminum WIF plug? I’m a drafter and we are getting in a new WIF plug from GM... I could get the measurements off of it and get a drawing made. Then you can take the print to a machine shop and get one made out of whatever material you would like.

What’s everyone think?

Would anyone be interested in a drawing of an aluminum WIF plug? I’m a drafter and we are getting in a new WIF plug from GM... I could get the measurements off of it and get a drawing made. Then you can take the print to a machine shop and get one made out of whatever material you would like.

What’s everyone think?

If you could, I would take it to a friend who owns a machine shop and see if he could build us up a bunch of them and at what cost.

You guys want the same style of wrench to be used to take it off or just something like a 3/8 ratchet end in the middle to take it off?

I think I like the rest of us are looking for something a little more reliable and durable than what the general put in thereto begin with. That's why I was saying that I thought I saw an aluminum plug.

I will try and get a print made so then you guys can get an aluminum plug made up. We wont have the stock WIF here until friday though... I will need it to get the measurements off of.

I taped my wires after they broke this summer, no codes or ill effects as yet.

Ken

I suggest when you make the plug you have a small pocket in the plug to collect dirt and some water-- then add a 1/8 NPT fitting so you could still drain it- maybe even a petcock drain.

Info ---The way the WIF sensor is suppose to work-- the small ring is actually a float and has a small magnet. When there is water in the filter, the ring is suppose to float and slide up the stem-- then the magnet in the ring closes a reed switch in the stem. The wires are attached to the reed switch and when closed, it is suppose to turn on the WIF alarm.

I will try and get a print made so then you guys can get an aluminum plug made up. We wont have the stock WIF here until friday though... I will need it to get the measurements off of.

PM me when your ready and lets see if we can get some made pretty inexpensive. I think I would get the inside fo the seal nut tapered with a brass 1/8" npt valve at the bottom.

I can add the pocket and a drain plug... I will work on it later today.

I was at Princess Auto yesterday and I think I have the size that we need...but I don't think its even made. #16 ORB (o-ring boss) is to small, a #20 ORB is to big. If such a fitting existed I would think it would be about a #18 ORB. But nothing I can find anywhere even says that such a size exists.

I also tried NPT (national pipe thread) fittings. 1" to small, 1 1/4 to big, again a 1 1/8" inch fitting is probably what is needed.

Looking around later I did find what we are looking for on fl-ebay (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/6-6L-Duramax-Diesel-Filter-Fuel-Water-Seperator-Plug_W0QQitemZ270387979283QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotor s_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item3ef4612413) so I know it has to be out there and I'm sure its less than $40 and shipping. I googled the company on there and they sell water purification products and what not so I thought someone around here that sells water purification equip may sell that. Not so much unfortunatley.

Anyone else agree that this is pretty much exactly what were after?

The filter thread is M36x1.5 and the O-ring should be close to this one...
http://www.mcmaster.com/#9262k352/=4zjxyy

O-ring has cross sectional diameter of .157 and a inside diameter of 1.319

I was thinking if I can get my friend to build them reasonably, maybe I can get them anodized a specific color - say blue???? What do you think?

The filter thread is M36x1.5 and the O-ring should be close to this one...
http://www.mcmaster.com/#9262k352/=4zjxyy

O-ring has cross sectional diameter of .157 and a inside diameter of 1.319

O-rings come with the new filters. If your plug has the same dimensions as the WIF, you don't need to buy O-rings.

I'd bet it's a metric O-ring.

I'd be in for a nice colored aluminum one. I don't want to keep replacing this thing over and over and over again.

I'd be in for a nice colored aluminum one. I don't want to keep replacing this thing over and over and over again.

I'm pretty sure you will tell me if it is ugly or wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy to expensive.:D

I have been searching a lot in the last few months for the correct fitting to fit in the filter. the closest I found was about 18 bucks each, and wouldnt accept a o-ring. If someone were to build them, I would buy one. even if it were plastic, it would be good to keep on hand in case your wif broke and you wanted to plug it intil a new one could arrive....

I'm pretty sure you will tell me if it is ugly or wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy to expensive.:D

I'm positive that I won't hold back.:wtf:

But after all...do I spend 60 or 80 bucks once, or spend 70 bucks every 18 to 24 mos to replace the damn thing going at the rate that they've crapped out on me.

I'm positive that I won't hold back.:wtf:

But after all...do I spend 60 or 80 bucks once, or spend 70 bucks every 18 to 24 mos to replace the damn thing going at the rate that they've crapped out on me.

I'm with you, I seem to break mine every 3rd or 4th filter change. It doesn't do any good and would like to get rid of it. I'll await for a drawing and see if we can't get it made reasonably.

I've pretty much tried everything around here but I can't find anything. Anyone else have any luck?

I'm still waiting on the filter/base assy to come in... I guess its on backorder.

Do you want me to ship you an old one? pm me if you want me to.

Sending a used one to 53J tomorrow, I'll try and get it done for overnight. Hopefully we can get something built quickly when the drawing is done.

If the new plugs kept the same face pattern that would be fine with me...I already have a WIF sensor wrench from Kennedy that I keep in the glovebox.

Part has been sent, hopefully it won't take long after that to get the piece built.

Well I finally got the print done and some parts made in the tool room... I won’t be able to make anymore for anyone else but I do have the print so you guys can take it to a machine shop and get some plugs made.

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h212/53J/WIFplug.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h212/53J/WIFplug2.jpg

I haven't put this on a truck yet but I have threaded it onto a filter and it should work.

I can make a print to match the current WIF wrench if needed but this part should be cheaper with just the square drive.

I have the print saved as a PDF so I can send this to whoever wants to get one made.

Well I finally got the print done and some parts made in the tool room... I won’t be able to make anymore for anyone else but I do have the print so you guys can take it to a machine shop and get some plugs made.

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h212/53J/WIFplug.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h212/53J/WIFplug2.jpg

I haven't put this on a truck yet but I have threaded it onto a filter and it should work.

I can make a print to match the current WIF wrench if needed but this part should be cheaper with just the square drive.

I have the print saved as a PDF so I can send this to whoever wants to get one made.
Looks good, should have been blue:D

Looks very nice! Nice work!

Thanks! it was easy to draw up I just need the actual part to get some measurements off of and thanks to rebel7777 it was easy to do.

rebel7777 or whoever ends up making some, would you please pm me with a price and all id be intersted in one too

I thought I saw them on merchants web site, forget how much but was less than $80. They also had a wrench for removing the sensor from the filter.

cool, erics selling channel locks now? :lol:

That would be good to have in the tool box, just for an emergency. It would still be cheaper than the GM WIF sensor.

It would also be nice to have a drain on the new plug, just to drain any accumulated water.

I could easily draw up the wif plug with a drain **** in the middle of it but all that would make the cost go up... how often does anyone actually drain their fuel filters of water? I never have.

Sorry if this has been posted up already but I just ran accross this

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/6-6L-Duramax-Diesel-Filter-Fuel-Water-Seperator-Plug_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem3ef4612413QQitemZ2 70387979283QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAcc essories

I could easily draw up the wif plug with a drain **** in the middle of it but all that would make the cost go up... how often does anyone actually drain their fuel filters of water? I never have.

More for draining them than anything else when you swap the filters out. I don't like to dump all the diesel on the ground. I'm sending the drawing to the machine shop today, I'll get costs for both, with a drain and without.

53J your welcome for the part, I'm glad I was able to help.

Sorry if this has been posted up already but I just ran accross this

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/6-6L-Duramax-Diesel-Filter-Fuel-Water-Seperator-Plug_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem3ef4612413QQitemZ2 70387979283QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAcc essories

I'll see what my machine shop guy says, this maybe a cheaper alternative that you have suggested.

OK, I have a number, based on 40 units, blue anodized, 1/4" npt hole in the bottom with a 3/4" square nut instead of 1/2". $60 ea CDN, honestly I thought we could have done better. Anyone else tried? I guess @ $40 US the one on ebay isn't priced half bad.

Skip the anodizing. Why would we really need that? Who cares what color it is. Grab a can of black spray paint lol.


any idea on price without anodize?

Also skip the npt port on the bottom, Id rather save money and drill a hole in it myself. It would cost a lot to have someone else do it in my thinking.

The only thing I would rather see is the actual WIF wrench tool able to be used. I can get you the measurements if needed. Even in cad drawing as I have a wif wrench drawn up I did.

My machinst does a lot of anodizing so no real change in price. With the salt on our roads up here and the amount that happens to mist the aluminum or plastic housing I would recommend it. I have pulled my current sensor and it has been caked with salt residue.

The WIF wrench design can be done, it didn't seem to matter what was on the bottom for tightening the plug in place, this is also the same as to 1/4"npt hole or not. The biggest charge for these parts isn't the material ie aluminum and anodizing, but costs to setup and machine. Once they are setup they become cookie cutter for the CNC machine.

Let me know what you guys want to do,

My machinst does a lot of anodizing so no real change in price. With the salt on our roads up here and the amount that happens to mist the aluminum or plastic housing I would recommend it. I have pulled my current sensor and it has been caked with salt residue.

The WIF wrench design can be done, it didn't seem to matter what was on the bottom for tightening the plug in place, this is also the same as to 1/4"npt hole or not. The biggest charge for these parts isn't the material ie aluminum and anodizing, but costs to setup and machine. Once they are setup they become cookie cutter for the CNC machine.

Let me know what you guys want to do,

ah, ok I got ya.

Wouldnt 1/4" NPT be quite big, why not 1/8" NPT? Or are you thinking about a 1/4" hole diameter? (I think 1/8"NPT is about a 1/4" hole....)

I wanted 1/4" for good drainage, the 1/8"npt can be done, but once you add a valve of any kind the outlet hole would be real small. Doesn't really matter to me, its what everyone else wants for consenus. The cost could get cheaper if we can get into the 50+ units, we just spread the costs for setup amongst all the pieces.

Honestly I'm not looking to make any money on this, I just want a fix for my current situation and thought we could do this reasonably priced. @ 50+ units the price should drop to about $53 cdn ea and so on.

Update, just checked with my machinist and we can eliminate the anodizing @ $3 ea for each one.

Updated today Jan 15, 10. Talked to my friend again and gave him a hard time about what we are trying to accomplish.

He has dropped the price again to $50 ea @ 40 Units anodized and 1/4"npt hole. What do you guys think??? If you don't want anodizing the price is $47 ea.

Rebel, sent you a PM...let me know.

Anyone else interested, I need at least 20 people to make this happen.

i am in possibly for a couple units i dont care about color or wrench size

I wonder if there are any vendors that may want to pick up on this? I could see alot of us, especially in older Duramaxes where we don't have to worry about warranty switching to one of these. I know I'm in for sure.

Email your information if your interested, I'll add to the list. rholmen@hotmail.com Hopefully we have enough interest to get at least 20 made.

is $50 canadian or us dollars?

is $50 canadian or us dollars?

CDN,

You know you guys could just get the plug with drain for a Dmax van. On the vans the WIF sensor goes into the primary filter. So then the secondary filter, which is same as the trucks has the plug with drain. You can still you use your fancy wrench to R&R. Problem solved.

You know you guys could just get the plug with drain for a Dmax van. On the vans the WIF sensor goes into the primary filter. So then the secondary filter, which is same as the trucks has the plug with drain. You can still you use your fancy wrench to R&R. Problem solved.


Do you have a part #?

Sorry I do not know the part#. I have about 110,000 miles on the van and still have the original. Maybe this week if I am at one of my GM customers I will check.

If you do come across the part number, we had better make sure that its added to the LLY sticky at the top of the forum.

Sorry I do not know the part#. I have about 110,000 miles on the van and still have the original. Maybe this week if I am at one of my GM customers I will check.

Did you manage to get the part #?

I'm wondering if people are still interested in this?

I have not yet, but you should be able to just go to your dealer and have them look it up on the computer.

I would take at least 4 of them. I'm tired of this plastic BS.

That's 16 if people hold to their word, send me an email rholmen@hotmail.com

GM part #19121759. From GMPartsdirect, $30.76 plus $16 S&H.
From dealership, $42.
I'd rather have a metal plug...email sent.

GM part #19121759. From GMPartsdirect, $30.76 plus $16 S&H.
From dealership, $42.
I'd rather have a metal plug...email sent.

Was that part # for the truck or van ? It does not show up.

I have considered all the comments, as it stands when I place the order it is going to be for 20 Aluminum, no anodizing, no hole drilled and threaded. I will have a finallized price Firday for everyone.

Was that part # for the truck or van ? It does not show up.

http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/results.cfm

Click on the ADVANCED SEARCH at top left and paste this # 19121759

I have considered all the comments, as it stands when I place the order it is going to be for 20 Aluminum, no anodizing, no hole drilled and threaded. I will have a finallized price Firday for everyone.

Thank you for taking the time out to do this, grease monkeys like me will appreciate it.

$40 ea, shipped direct to you, Aluminum, no anodizing (based on the numbers asked), no tread 1/8"npt out (again based on the numbers asked), 3/4" hex nut, allows for self tapping of the 1/8" npt female thread.

I'm still in...rebel I'll email you tomorrow. I'm packing to head home today from two months in the desert so there'a a bit to do.

3 weeks as of wednesday,

Parts are in, everyone who sent me an email will receive an email with a paypal link. Please be aware I require your complete address for shipping. If you are interested still email me at rholmen@hotmail.com

Pictures in the following thread,

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?p=3775785#post3775785

All emails and PM's sent hope you guys are happy with the final result.

I have sold 6 todate, where are the rest of you who wanted this? I had a total of 20 before but now it doesn't appear anyone is interested. I did this for you guys as well as myself but I don't need 14, only 2. Come on guys don't leave me hanging.

Saw mine today when I got home...very nice. Thanks again.

Saw mine today when I got home...very nice. Thanks again.

I'm glad you got it, I was worried you wouldn't. I sent your's as an envelop and then found out from the post office it would be returning to me.

Let me know how you make out with it. I have sold 7 todate, I thought people wanted this. Still haven't seen much interest.

list in forsale section maybe

list in forsale section maybe

Already there,

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=352192&page=5

my bad

my bad

No worries, I just think some more people need to buy rather than leaving me hanging on this.

totally understand u there i dunno what happen to all the intrest. die people u pm all them that says they wanted one?

totally understand u there i dunno what happen to all the intrest. die people u pm all them that says they wanted one?

Been there, done that. Had about 24-28 asking for it, so you figure I should do this for people. I guess I'm bad now for helping out.

I blogged about this here is a link!http://startingautos.com/ Just scroll down you will see it !

What's your point? If you had read the whole thread you would understand why some of us are removing the WIF sensor.

I fail to see where blogging about a sensor that never works is value added. Am I missing your point?

i would like a pluf from u. message me plz. i am new to the site. but i am a diesel mechanic at a dealership i have 196,000 miles on my truck and i have done 6 wif sensors due to leaking and cracking and i got the snapon wrench broken the wires off. i need a plug with a drian

i would like a pluf from u. message me plz. i am new to the site. but i am a diesel mechanic at a dealership i have 196,000 miles on my truck and i have done 6 wif sensors due to leaking and cracking and i got the snapon wrench broken the wires off. i need a plug with a drian

PM Sent.

Anyone else need one of these plugs??

Bump, come on guys help me out with these plugs I had built for you.

i want one pm me with paypal info and ill run it through monday goin out of town and wont be back till then $40 right?

I feal like they need. To fixed not removed I was only trying help you fix I the right way ! I didn't know you knew everthing there to know. About Duramax diesel ! Sorry to step on your feet ! Have a blessed day rebel 7777 !

I feal like they need. To fixed not removed I was only trying help you fix I the right way ! I didn't know you knew everthing there to know. About Duramax diesel ! Sorry to step on your feet ! Have a blessed day rebel 7777 !:confused:

Bump for ya, I hope you get them sold...

Bump for ya, I hope you get them sold...

Thanks, still have lots left.

rholmen@hotmail.com

Thanks, still have lots left.

rholmen@hotmail.com
do you still have some left? and if so how much are they? shipping to 38655

i been enjoying my water plug.

do you still have some left? and if so how much are they? shipping to 38655
yes, $42 cdn anywhere in north america. About $40 US right now.

i been enjoying my water plug.
no more issues, imagine how that works.:D

So you just plug this in and don't worry about having the sensor anymore?

Sorry guys, first diesel.

So you just plug this in and don't worry about having the sensor anymore?

Sorry guys, first diesel.

Correct. The damn sensor doesn't usually work anyway. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=369049

That, and the issues with fuel leaks at the drain.

Its just to bad that someone had to rip off the good idea of rebel and put their own stamp on it. Can't say enough good things about these.

Its just to bad that someone had to rip off the good idea of rebel and put their own stamp on it. Can't say enough good things about these.

Whats going on? I haven't been around much these days. I think I'm finally down to less than 20 left.

Theres a thread in the vendor section from Merchant Automotive. They took your idea and ripped it off IMO. Copied the idea and made a similar design and put their MA logo on it and selling it for the same price as you are yours.

Theres a thread in the vendor section from Merchant Automotive. They took your idea and ripped it off IMO. Copied the idea and made a similar design and put their MA logo on it and selling it for the same price as you are yours.

Yah, I see that, guess it was going to happen at some point:mad:.

I still think our design is a better look and design.:cool:

Besides ours came from the masses/users on this forum so we have pride in what we have designed and costs less also(they don't include shipping in there price).:D

Finally sold out of plugs, sold the remaining ones to Dane from Mudjack Racing. If you email me I will forward his information.

As well he is a vendor on this site and he would be happy to help anyone out for a WIF plug.