Fuel Filter replacement

[Railton]

How often should these things be replaced on todays cars?
I don't think I ever changed one on the last three cars that I've owned which spans 20 years.
Is gasoline that clean today (and the storage tanks as well) such that we dont need to change them anymore?
I have a 'cleanable' fuel filter and a spin-on fuel filter (looks like a oil filter) as well for the boat that I clean/change every year and I am always surprised by the junk in them. And that is even purchasing fuel at the service station pumps on the highway not at the marinas.
Railton

[ktm525]

Good question. I change around the 100k km mark. You could just wait until  clogged filter symptoms emerge (engine coughs and stuggles on WOT).

[PJungnitsch]

I change mine occasionally because they are cheap but you are right, hardly any dirt in them. Water I find more of an issue, iced up just the other day.

[safristi]

 real men don't need NO STINKY FILTERS...they just suck it up...........'spos if it's easy to get to and it give U peace of mind go for it................then pre filter all your gas thru a Millipore 5Micron syringe thereafter....

[maritime_storm]

I change 'em every 2 years regardless of mileage. Price a fuel pump, then decide how expensive the filter looks.

[safristi]

...funny all my cars (old MGB excepted) never had a fuel pump issue..............or a fuel filter change..................200,000 to 320,000 plus KMS..............still waiting..........

  seems this is like the change OIL conundrum.........change Tranny Fluid Dilemma...change Antifreeze Argument...change TYRE AIR Travesty.....................we can go round and round but nobody cares.................wait for the stuttering starts..............

[Railton]

Is there a way of releasing the pressure on the fuel lines (with fuel injected vehicles) such that when you go to disconnect the filters that fuel does not spray everywhere? What used to be a realatively clean chore for now is a messy job due to the pressure in the lines.
Railton

[ktm525]

Is there a way of releasing the pressure on the fuel lines (with fuel injected vehicles) such that when you go to disconnect the filters that fuel does not spray everywhere? What used to be a realatively clean chore for now is a messy job due to the pressure in the lines.
Railton

Pull the fuse that the fuel pump is on. Crank engine. Some gas will spill but not the 30 psi+ spray.