I replaced mine at 30,000 after somehow missing the fuel filter change recommendation at the 15,000 mile mark. You need a special tool to get the filter off, so I just paid the dealer $20 to change it - took them about 5 minutes. It looks pretty simple in the Hanes manual if you have the correct tool. I had a Nissan truck when I was in high school that got a clogged fuel filter, but only after 80,000 miles - I'd be suprised if the Ford one will clog if you don't change it every 15,000 miles, but it's a cheap replacement.

------------------
1998 Ford F-250 LD XLT, 5.4 4X4, Midnight Blue/Grey 2-tone, Line-X, Leather, Kenwood Excelon, Rockford 600a5, JL Audio 10", 285/75/R16's, Flowmaster 40 series cat-back with 3" pipe, Chrome tip, Superchip, K&N Filter, Clear turn signal lenses, Superwhite bulbs from Fred@Sportbikes.net(awesome bulbs for $40), Rancho RSX Shocks.

Coming Soon: factory fog lights.

 

I read somewhere that the fuel filter should be replaced at 15,000 miles?
Should this really be done and if so, why so soon?

Thanks!

------------------
'99 Black F-150 Sport
SuperCab
4.6 Romeo Triton
3.55 Rear-end,Tow Package,
MODS: Black low- profile bug deflector, K&N Air Filter

Wife's wheels: '91 Green Ranger XLT 3.0L

http://hometown.aol.com\riadan1

 

I have to replace the fuel filter in my Taurus every 10K, so I know what you mean. My '88 F150 had to have the filter replaced every 15K as well.

Part of the reasoning is that this little-bitty (comparably) filter is responsible for keeping all sorts of solids, contaiminants, water and the like out of the fuel so your injectors don't take the abuse.

Apart from installing a bowl-type (www.permacool.com) filter that allows for a much more advanced filtering system, you are doing yourself a huge favor by replacing the filter AT THE MOST every 15K. I actually replace mine early due to the quality of fuel that is available now.

I use the Baldwin/Hastings filters. They have more filter Media in them and can filter more types of particulates than the stock FOMOCO's.

Randy

 

F150Sport,

Just FYI. If you're interested in changing the filter yourself, check out my website for an article with pictures on the procedure.

------------------
1998 F-150 XLT 4x4 SC/SB 4.6L, Auto., 3.55LS, TTP, blah, blah, blah
All the info is at http://www.fordf150.net
Now with How-To Articles!

 

Hell, I didnt even know about the 15K interval... I changed mine on my Expy @ 50K!
Oooops!

I did notice my piston slap went away though!

 

I just replaced mine at 20000 miles. at about 18000 miles I got some BAD gas at
a exxon station (I will never use it again) and I had pinging at load ever since, until I change my filter. I cant explain this, cause there is no real obvious reason even a clogged filter could cause pinging, but a lot of black crud came out of the filter. given the amount of gas that passes through these things, I believe I will start changing at 10000 miles.