Fuel filters - how often should you change?

[SHYNE]

I have a 190E 2.6, it is stumbling with the economy gauge going into the red and if I put the pedal to the floor I can get maybe 110 km/h max, then, out of nowhere all the power is restored!!!

I don't get it!

I have been driving on the highway often lately back and forth from school to home on weekends which is 700km round trip.

I enjoy driving between 140-150km/h for the 2.25 hours each way because it feels so good!

Do you think I have a fuel system problem? I fill up often.

My fuel pump(s) are fine I think, constantly hissing as always.

I also notice that, if the car begins to stumble, if I turn it off and then turn it on again problem is gone!

What do you guys think?

Your help would be appreciated, I am a Co-op student without a co-op job yet, living on a student line of credit that is about to dry up, hopefully will be employed in April.

Just replaced the plugs myself, one almost was pushed out recenntly, retorqued without incident.

Please offer anything that comes to mind.
Thank you,
Mike McKinney

[Jim Anderson]

Have you ever tryed fuel injector cleaner in the gas?

[SHYNE]

I've never tried fuel injector cleaner, my fuel injectors are fine.

I believe I might have some sort of fuel starvation problem from time to time or something.........

I thought I would start at the fuel filters, how long do you go between changing your fuel filters?

Could anyone else offer me advice please?

Thank you for your help
Regards,

Mike McKinney

[Rocky]

I have an associated question, will the octane of fuel effect the fuel filter?

I mean If I was using 94 octane, will I have to change my fuel filter less often then say someone who is using 85 octane?

[SHYNE]

How long do fuel filters stay fresh?

[David C Klasse]

First of all... I would run a bottle or TWO of TECHRON (bought @ Chevron) through your gas tank, preferably, but not needed, before an oil change.

Secondly, MBUSA Recommends fuel filter replacement at 60k miles on gasoline engines, although it doesn't require replacement... Mine was replaced at 80k for the first time and it was definitly time!

Good luck,

[Gilly]

Davids right on the filter, 60K interval, I would do it if you know it's over that. Sure it doesn't "have" to be changed, it's not like the engine is going to develop "mystery" problems right at 60,000 miles, but it's still a good idea to do it on schedule.
Another thought, since you're inviting ideas, is our old pal the overvoltage protection relay.
Also the distributor cap and rotor, usually these will be more od a permanent running problem though, not coming and going like this.
I believe I did have a problem similar to this that ended up having a partially plugged catalytic converter.
Gilly