Fuel filter, cracked fuel filler neck + MPG

[Sweersa]

As far as I know my 97 Ranger still has the stock fuel filter, will changing this out with a new one improve MPG?

I also have the ever so popular cracked fuel filler neck, when I top off my tank I lose typically 1 or more gallon of gas. Could this affect fuel pressure or cause gas evaporation in a way to noticeably rob my MPG? I try not to totally fill my tank at the pump to avoid the embarrassing (and expensive) spill.

 

[steve63]

really dont see how a pluged fuel filter could decreese your fiel milage,it would effect power and driveability,other than making the engine run lean with the low fuel pressure and messing with the engines sensors,youre bound to get evaporation loss to some degree with the cracked fuel neck,but unless youre fuel tank has been cratered,i dont think youre losing that much.

 

[ForOffRoadDriving]

having a filter that old on there is not a good idea. if it is getting plugged up but the truck still runs, you can almost bet that the fuel pump is straining itself to push the fuel through it. i have seen a couple cases where the pump has burned out as a result of having a plugged filter, and after removing the filter and inspecting it, not even compressed air could pass through the filter. the service interval for a F.F. is 30,000 mi. so im willing to bet youve far exceeded its expected life span. as far as the cracked filler neck goes, they can be bought for around $120-150 from dorman products (most parts stores carry dorman products) and this will help you save money at the pump and give you piece of mind that your truck wont blow up if someone throws a cigarette butt under your truck.

 

[Sweersa]

having a filter that old on there is not a good idea. if it is getting plugged up but the truck still runs, you can almost bet that the fuel pump is straining itself to push the fuel through it. i have seen a couple cases where the pump has burned out as a result of having a plugged filter, and after removing the filter and inspecting it, not even compressed air could pass through the filter. the service interval for a F.F. is 30,000 mi. so im willing to bet youve far exceeded its expected life span. as far as the cracked filler neck goes, they can be bought for around $120-150 from dorman products (most parts stores carry dorman products) and this will help you save money at the pump and give you piece of mind that your truck wont blow up if someone throws a cigarette butt under your truck.

My truck has 76,000 miles with at least one previous owner so I am not 100% sure if the fuel filter has been changed but I have my doubts. Even then it still could use a new one I am sure For how cheap they are I will not let too many weeks go by without a new one.

I have bought the fuel filler new off of eBay for under 40 dollars. The seller's reviews by others who bought the same item for their Rangers were all positive so I didn't feel skeptical picking it up. It feels solid, I just need to have a good weekend to take the box off and do everything.