When to change fuel filter?

[vaindioux]

Hi

I was told a fuel filter should be changed every 30K miles.
My problem I own a 97 escort with 178k miles on the counter and I don't know when the fuel filter was last changed.
Is there a way to find out? What shall I do if I don't know when it was last changed?
I am planning on doing it myself, it doesn't seem that hard.

Thanks a lot

Patrick

[inafogg]

i'd agree with 30k if you dont no when it was changed its cheap replace it

[trevor Andrews]

Hi i have just joined the group and wish to seek advice regards my wifes Vauxhaull Corsa. but I can't find a link to start new thread etc.

Trevor Andrews
UK.

[vaindioux]

Originally Posted by inafogg

i'd agree with 30k if you dont no when it was changed its cheap replace it

Thank-you

Patrick

[Ralph123]

Originally Posted by trevor Andrews

Hi i have just joined the group and wish to seek advice regards my wifes Vauxhaull Corsa. but I can't find a link to start new thread etc.

Trevor Andrews
UK.

This forum doesn't make it easy to start a thread but to post a new thread go to the home page and pick your car. go here to start>>> http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/index.php

[Kimgriffin]

how can u tell if the fuel pump needs to be changed ?

[Crash81]

FWIW my '99 Escort has 262,000 miles on it, and the fuel filter has never been changed. The standards on fuels these days are so stringent that the filters just never get clogged.

[12Ounce]

Agreed, if the fuel you buy is clean enough ... the filter should never clog. However, it may not last "forever" ... after all it is paper. The criteria may be "years", not "mileage" in that case. Personally, I never change a filter unless there is a loss of power ... or if I'm about to take a very long trip.

[DeltaP]

How do you know if the fuel is clean enough? With all the water and crap in today's ethanol blended fuels I'm changing them more often. All it takes is one bad tank full. Don't dare try that in a diesel engine vehicle.