I am about to replace the fuel/water separators on my Cummins 6CTA8.3 for the first time (for me). The current one is not the Cummins recommended filter and is one piece. The one I will be installing has the plastic bowl on the bottom. Before I install the filter it has to be filled with fuel. I have a few questions.

1. Since I have not used a filter with a bowl, is the bowl full all the time with either fuel or water, or does it only collect water?

2. If it is full all the time do I need to fill it up separately or does it fill at the same time I am filling the filter?

My engine has two fuel/water separators, one small one on the side of the engine on one located just inside the engine bay doors. The smaller one does not have a bowl but does have a drain valve. It is difficult to get at to drain it. Changing it will be a challenge. I have a question concerning this filter.

1. Does this filter require periodic draining?