130 pd fuel filter change when?

[bk.bas99]

what is recommended filter change. It was last done at 40K service, car has now done 72K. As I think it is running a bit rougher than it should is the filter the first place to start...or the loom...or something else?

[snapdragon]

Every 40,000 miles, there is no time limit.
Drain water after 20,000 miles.

[PeteK]

I know it is probably a bit over the top but I replace all the filters (fuel, air and pollen) every 20k miles and the oil and filter every 10k. The last time I ordered a fuel filter it cost £8.60 + vat from GSF. As snapdragon states the recommended interval by VW is 40k.

[martin1810]

Just a point of interest. PD engines don't have a water drain.

[snapdragon]

Ah, did they ever? Mine is not a PD but the filters always had a drain at the bottom. For the last 4 years the new filters have not had drains, no matter which make I buy. I don't mind, no water was ever found.

[yaman]

Its not an exact science, manufactures can only give a educated
guess.

Things like; how much condensation is produced by the average
fuel tank over 40k miles, the fuel quality and how long the sediment
takes to settle, after a delivery to a filling station, are incaluable.

I'd be inclined to agree with PeteK, 40k is pushing it.

Regards
Jim

[tullyjoe]

Fuel filter is so cheap I just change it every 2nd oil and filter change, so that makes it every 20k.

Joe

[Tripletrouble]

Agree with the above post.

[996jimbo]

I did mine a while back and it is due another shortly. I seem to remember it was a right pain to do mainly because I couldn't get the hoses off - should I be trying to remove the hoses or just lever the cap out of the way with the hoses connected? Any easy way to get the hoses off if that is the way to go?

[tullyjoe]

Hoses can become very tight on the filter pipes. Mine are a sprung clip so I squeeze them to loosen and slide back and away from the filter. When these are clear, using a pipe wrench or plumbing pliers wiggle the hose to get it moving off the pipe. If you get the hose to turn then with a bit of persuasion it will come off the filter pipe.

Joe