car maintenance question

[LovelyLady]

How often does a fuel filter need to be replaced on a 1999 Ford Escort?

Also, do I have to/should I also pay to have the fuel system "cleaned" when I do this?

Thanks for any advice/help

 

[Bible_Belt]

http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cach...t+fuel+filter+miles&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=13&gl=us

All of that sounds reasonable and should help your gas mileage.

 

[LovelyLady]

Thank you... I didn't want to pay to have something done if it isn't "really" needed!

 

[ketostix]

Usually you replace the fuel filter around every 60,000 miles. If the car isn't running bad, I wouldn't pay to have the fuel system cleaned. Just put a bottle of Techron fuel system cleaner in it at fillup. You can buy it at most stores and at Auto parts stores. I don't know what area you live in but if you have acces to Chevron/Texaco or Shell gas, they have the additives that usually will keep your fuel system clean.

 

[Quiksilver]

While we're on this topic.

What does an Engine Shampoo accomplish? It's a service offered at the local station, but am not exactly sure what it does.

 

[ketostix]

While we're on this topic.

What does an Engine Shampoo accomplish? It's a service offered at the local station, but am not exactly sure what it does.

I never heard of that. Is it a different grade of gas or what? If so then it's probably just a name for fuel system cleaner. Techron is supposedly the best on the market. If it's a car wash to clean the outside of the engine, then I wouldn't do it.

Fuel system cleaning is not a normal maintenance procedure. It's more for when you have deposits on your injector tips and your car's running rough. Other than occasionally changing your fuel filter the injectors are about the only place where deposits really accumulate and cause a problem because of the heat there causing the fuel to cook and plug up the injector orifice. They charge $4/gal for gas but don't even put enough detergents in gasoline. So I think it's a good idea to add 1 can of Techron every 3,000 miles or so.

 

[LovelyLady]

Hi Keto - You're being so nice to me - are you sure you're feelin' alright Hon?


I have 73,000 miles on it. I went and had it changed and I had them clean the fuel too. I had a $20 off coupon in my glove box so it came to $100. I will use that Techron stuff in the future as you suggest, thank you.