A filter includes an end cap having a top surface, and a circumferential collar extending from the top surface, the circumferential collar having a radial surface that engages radially with one or more fingers that extend from an inner surface of a filter housing cover, a filter base, a filter element positioned between the end cap and the filter base, and a pin extending below the filter base.

A fuel filter assembly includes a filter housing defining a cavity, a center stack having a base component and a top portion. The center stack is positioned within the cavity of the filter housing and attached to the housing, the center stack having an axial aperture in the top portion, the axial aperture having a circumferential surface, and a fuel filter. The fuel filter includes a filter base, an end cap having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, an axial extension that extends from the bottom surface, and at least one prong attached to the axial extension, the at least one prong having an axial surface facing away from the top surface that axially locates the fuel filter in the housing against the circumferential surface, a filter element attached to the bottom surface of the end cap, and a pin attached to a filter base.

A fuel filter assembly includes a filter housing that forms a cavity, and a center stack. The center stack is positioned within the cavity and includes an axial aperture in the top portion, the axial aperture having a circumferential surface, and a fuel filter. The fuel filter includes a filter center support. The fuel filter also includes a sword positioned along a surface of the filter center support, an end cap, a filter element attached to an undersurface of the end cap, a water separator at a filter base of the fuel filter, and a pin attached to the water separator. When the fuel filter is positioned within the filter housing, the sword engages with a slot of a center stack of the fuel filter housing and the pin aligns with a channel of the housing.

A filter device may include a ring filter element arranged in a filter housing in an upright manner. The ring filter element may have an upper end disc, a lower end disc, a filter material arranged therebetween, and a dirt pot provided on the lower end disc. The dirt pot may be provided on the lower end disc, a protruding pin, and an opening on a base side of the dirt pot. The filter device may include a functional element having a channel configured to receive the protruding pin. A portion of the functional element may be configured to penetrate the opening of the dirt pot such that the ring filter element is sealed at the opening. The portion of the functional element may have at least one water discharge opening. The filter device may be operational when the pin engages into the channel.

A filter element includes an upper end disc, a lower end disc, a filter material arranged between the upper end disc and the lower end disc, a dirt pot on the lower end disc, a pin attached at an attachment location and configured to be received within a channel in an installation orientation, the pin extending away from the attachment location along an axis, the pin having a base of a first width at the attachment location, the pin having a free end and a groove defined between the attachment location and the free end, the pin having a second width that defines a circumference of the groove, the second width approximately orthogonal to the axis, wherein the first width is greater than the second width, and an opening in the dirt pot.

A water drain assembly for draining water from a filter assembly comprises a conduit, a water canister, and a venturi. The conduit fluidly connects a bottom portion of the filter assembly to a bottom portion of the water canister. The venturi comprises a first venturi inlet that allows fluid to flow from the fuel tank and into the venturi, a second venturi inlet that allows fluid to flow from the water canister and into the venturi, and a venturi outlet that allows fluid to flow from the venturi and into the filter assembly. The second venturi may comprise a capillary.

A gas-liquid separator includes a housing being supplied with water-containing gas, a gas-liquid separation portion being provided inside the housing and separating water from water-containing gas, a water storage portion being arranged on a bottom portion of the housing and storing water separated by the gas-liquid separation portion, and a valve mechanism enabling discharge of and stop of the discharge of water in the water storage portion via a discharge flow path communicating with the water storage portion. An inner wall of the housing has a guide surface flowing water toward the water storage portion and is provided with a regulating portion regulating staying of water in a vicinity of a flow-in port of the discharge flow path.

Various example embodiments relate to an automatic drain system for use with a fluid water separator. The automatic drain system includes a liquid-in-fuel sensor. The liquid in-fuel sensor is configured to detect a liquid level in a water sump. The solenoid has an open state and a closed state. A control unit is configured to activate the solenoid in response to a signal from the liquid-in-fuel sensor. Activation of the solenoid causes the solenoid to go from the closed state to the open state. The automatic drain system is placed in a condition for allowing fluid flow through the automatic drain system from the water sump.

One aspect of the disclosure provides a filter element including a first end cap, a second end cap, a ring of filter media and an annular seal. The first end cap defines a cylindrical collar that circumscribes a first central opening and includes a substantially planar first outer surface that extends radially outward from the cylindrical collar to an outer peripheral edge. The second end cap defines a second central opening substantially coaxial with the first central opening. The ring of filter media is disposed between the first end cap and the second end cap, and circumscribes a central cavity in fluid communication with the first central opening and the second central opening. The annular seal is disposed upon the first outer surface of the first end cap and around the cylindrical collar. The annular seal extends axially way from the first outer surface.

A replacement filter element having a removable pin attached to the filter elements is described. The removable pin is attached to the filter element via a first interference fit. When the replacement filter element is installed into a filtration system having a drain valve with an internal draft, the removable pin seals onto the drain valve and forms a second interference fit between the drain valve and the pin. The pin seals an opening in the drain valve. The second interference fit is stronger than the first interference. Accordingly, when the replacement filter element is removed from the filter housing (e.g., during a service event of the replacement filter element), the pin detaches from the replacement filter element and remains positioned within the drain valve thereby preventing fluid from leaking from the housing when the filter element is removed. The pin permanently plugs the drain valve once installed.