Hello F-Chat. I'm going to be changing the fuel filter on my '84 308 QV this week; that of course will depend on how cooperative the flare fittings will be when it comes to cracking them loose — I cannot believe the cramped working area to accomplish this, not to mention if I didn't know any better I'd swear the top connection was welded together! Anyway... My question is this. I have a "sealed new in box" Bosch Filter 450 905 091. Tonight, while reading a thread about cracking the frozen filter connections, I came across a Bosch Fuel Filter Code Chart (Date of Manufacturing). Although the filter I have is new in the box with fitting ends capped, the decoded data indicates that the filter was manufactured in 2004! Of course, I found additional information that fuel filters 12 years and beyond "expire" and should NOT be used. The defence argues that a sealed (ends capped) filter sitting on the shelf in a dry environment can be used regardless of the "12 Years or more" recommendation. Could someone please give me their experience with this and/or the gospel on fuel filter shelf life?? Buying a current to date filter is not the issue; I have the Bosch on hand. Had it not been for articles stating Fuel Filters Expire and not to use one that is older than 12 years...not knowing any better, I would use it. Thank you! Scott
I had never heard that a factory-boxed/sealed fuel filter "expires" and I would have used that capped filter without hesitation. That being said, if the manufacturer states that it expires in 12 years, I suppose it would be prudent to follow that guidance. OTOH, my cynical side wonders if that statement is more directed toward selling more fuel filters... I guess what i'm saying is that I'd use the filter BUT I have no experience whatsoever that actually allows me to answer your question re the gospel on fuel filter life...
Thanks Mike. I need to clarify one thing; the expiration statements and recommendations are from various car, heavy duty equip and agriculture articles — not from Bosch etc. It's typical in todays world; Google it and you'll find something from someone about anything. Yes I can see your point about selling more filters. Interestingly enough I haven't come across anything about filter shelf life here on FCHAT. There's nothing online from Bosch regarding shelf life on fuel filters. At the end of the day, it caught me off guard and raised the question.
