Fuel Filter at 15k miles??
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 918
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From: south western NYS Latitude: 42.34 N, Longitude: 78.46 W
Originally posted by Zarr
You guys crack me up. Especially the "If it aint broke, don't fix it" routine. You feel the same way about oil changes?
"They say 3000 miles, but I've got 10K on the same oil and filter and it runs fine! Why change it now if it's still running?" lol
In any case - I believe your average fuel filter interval is going to be 30,000 miles. That's pretty much been the standard for years and years. Of course with the new fuel systems the dealer is probably recommending more frequent (15,000 mile) intervals in order to protect all those expensive injectors under our hoods. Changing your filter a little too often is definitely better than not often enough.
-Zarr
Fix it before it breaks
You guys crack me up. Especially the "If it aint broke, don't fix it" routine. You feel the same way about oil changes?
"They say 3000 miles, but I've got 10K on the same oil and filter and it runs fine! Why change it now if it's still running?" lol
In any case - I believe your average fuel filter interval is going to be 30,000 miles. That's pretty much been the standard for years and years. Of course with the new fuel systems the dealer is probably recommending more frequent (15,000 mile) intervals in order to protect all those expensive injectors under our hoods. Changing your filter a little too often is definitely better than not often enough.
-Zarr
Fix it before it breaks
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 357
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From: Winchester, MA
As a filter gets clogged with dirt, it actually filters the fluid better. The problem is that the in tank fuel pump must work harder. Personally I would rather follow my owners manual and replace that $8 filter every 15k, than drop my fuel tank and replace the pump.
On a side note, the fuel quality around here suffers from the aged tanks and bizarre weather. Condensation, rust, road salts, and plain old dirt find their ways into the underground tanks easily. The fuel filter is the only thing that keeps that crap out of your engine.
On a side note, the fuel quality around here suffers from the aged tanks and bizarre weather. Condensation, rust, road salts, and plain old dirt find their ways into the underground tanks easily. The fuel filter is the only thing that keeps that crap out of your engine.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 293
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From: Portsmouth, Va.
I have only put 3000 on my 01' Expedition since I bought it from the dealer but it does have 38,000 on the truck. Is the tool that is required to replace the fuel filter available at the local parts stores?
MELMAN
MELMAN
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 114
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From: AZ
Mel...the tool is a little plastic circle that disconnects the fuel filter from the fuel line. I bought mine at the local auto parts shop in a three pack for around five dollars.
Sometimes getting the fuel filter out of its housing on the frame is the most difficult part of changing the fuel filter...there is a link on how to change them on this site.
I always changed the fuel filter on my old 94 F150 at least every 20,000 miles but have yet to change it on my 1997. It's got just under 45,000 miles.
Are FRAM fuel filters ok? Those are the ones I always used on my 1994.
Sometimes getting the fuel filter out of its housing on the frame is the most difficult part of changing the fuel filter...there is a link on how to change them on this site.
I always changed the fuel filter on my old 94 F150 at least every 20,000 miles but have yet to change it on my 1997. It's got just under 45,000 miles.
Are FRAM fuel filters ok? Those are the ones I always used on my 1994.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 196
Likes: 1
From: Austin, TX, USA
Ok, heres a thought. The maintenance book says for severe duty every 15,000 miles. To me, I think 85% of Americans are severe because they either drive city streets or live down a red dirt road (or both) Whats funny is some guys say stick to the book, others say "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". Just like the weight of oil. The book may say 5W-20, but there are hardcore guys (myseLf included) that thinks that looks like water coming out, and use a heavier weight. So 15,000...30,000...100,000...it may not matter today, but if you want to keep that truck till 300,000 miles it may matter then when you are having to replace all the injectors because they are clogged when that $8 filter could have made your whole day easier.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 4
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From: albuquerque, nm
ive changed mine once at 60,000 just because i got a little diesel in my tank thanks to the shell gas station in se texas. but ive gone about 80,000 since then and no problems at all. it is probably as clean as it was when new