I replaced my fuel filter the other day for the first time since it was new(110k miles). When I drained the filter out of the entrance side, a lot of small particles of dirt or something came out. It looked terrible, has anyone else noticed this? I didn't know if that was normal?ill try to add a picture.

 

All of this came out. I should have cut the filter!

 

That is why you need to change about every 35,000 miles.

 

And even 35k miles is the top end of the spectrum. I change my fuel filters every 15k.

OP, it is normal for it too look that way if you leave the fuel filter on the vehicle THAT long. That said, you should have been replacing that every 15-30k miles.

 

I thought I had replaced it when I bought the truck used. I reckon I didn't though. I have been told by the newer ford owners that their filters are in the tank and are supposed to be lifetime filters! My boss has a 2010, and that's what ford told him. He also has 110k on his and after seeing mine, he is wanting to change his now.

 

Yes, they are in the tank now. Scares me, just seems dumb and asking for trouble.

 

Where do you buy your gas?? No name stations? I would pull the new filter off in a month and check it again. Looks like ya got a bad load of gas. Never buy gas if there is a tanker dropping a load of gas or just did. Some gas stations remove there filters, so you keep there tanks clean!

 

That's how mine looked when I replaced it after buying the truck at 44K miles. Twice since, I've replaced the filter (now at 105K) and it was totally clean each time. 1st owner was in Michigan...maybe crap fuel "up north"?

 

I change mine every 15k. Been thinking of doing a glass bowl mod.

 

Damn, I bought my FX-4 in 2008 with right at 30 K on the clock, I've now got better than 110,000 K. Could part of my hesitation that I'm attributing to COP's going bad really be a full fuel filter?

 

Yes, it could.

 

fx4man could be the FPDM too above spare tire too?

 

How in the hell would you know if the station just had a tanker at it unless you saw it pulling out of the area? There have probably been numerous times when someone has unknowingly filled up right after the fuel tanker was there. It's not preferable to fill up at those times, but I wouldn't say "never". The fuel filter is there for a reason, let it do its job.

I change mine about every 30K or so, but I've never had it look too bad when inspecting the old filter. Unless you purchase fuel from remote, low volume fuel stations, I wouldn't worry about it. I generally buy my fuel from the same 2-3 stations, and have never had issues. However, they are located in busy suburban areas, so the fuel doesn't have a lot of time to get stale.

 

I didn't think I would have to answer a question like this! Use a little Common Sense If you see one, leaving, or sitting there in the station ,then what I said would apply. ??????????

 

yep need to follow your user manual on fluid and filter changes. You should see some filters i've did on 200-300k beater cars. Straight black sludge. How the injectors and fuel pump were still working is amazing to me.