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Mike, I am not sure what the recommended replacement interval is for the fuel filter, but I am sure that you have far exceeded it and should seriously think about replacing it with two or more fuel filters to make up for your transgression.

Fred

Mike, here is what About Auto Repair, autorepair.about.com/cs/d...82203a.htm , has to say about the subject.

"I receive a lot of questions concerning power loss, hesitation and hard starting in a vehicle. Many of these complaints can be traced to a clogged fuel filter. As the fuel filter gets older. More and more dirt collects inside it, gradually restricting the flow of fuel to the engine. A partially restricted filter will usually pass enough fuel to keep the engine running at idle or low speed, but may starve the engine for fuel at higher speeds or loads. So your engine may run fine putting around town, but sputter and lack power when you try to drive at highway speeds or pass someone.

I am often asked, "How often should I change my fuel filter?" If you have a high mileage vehicle you should replace the fuel filter once a year. By the time your car is six or seven years old, there can be a lot of dirt and rust inside your fuel tank. Normal condensation and moisture inside the fuel tank can form rust and every time you put in fuel, dirt can enter the fuel tank. All of this can cause a fuel filter to plug up fairly quickly, so replacing the fuel filter annually will prevent many problems

Many newer vehicles do not specify a recommended replacement interval. And many have a so-called; "Lifetime" fuel filter they claim never needs to be replaced. But any fuel filter will clog and need to be replaced so don't fall for that "never needs changing" story.

At my station there are fuel filters in the pumps to give the fuel a final filtering before you buy it. This prevents a lot of junk from getting into your fuel tank. I replace these filters on the first of every month whether they need it or not. However, there are a lot of stations out there who do not have fuel filters on their pumps so the fuel you put in your tank may be contaminated with water from leaky underground storage tanks, improperly mixed alcohol blends, or even watered-down by an unscrupulous operator who's trying to make a fast buck.

Replacing the fuel filter once a year as a preventative maintenance item is insurance that reduces the risk of the fuel filter plugging up. Brand new cars right from the dealer are as susceptible to getting dirty fuel as any other car so even though the car is new, the fuel filter will start to clog fairly quickly."