I combed thru the maintenance records I have for my car (4K to 49K) again and noticed that there is no record of a fuel filter replacement.

So today I had some time and replaced it.

Having more time on my hands I decided to dissect the old filter to see how bad it was inside. It was as I expected, dirty.

The residual fuel that was in the filter was BLACK, not discolored but black. The filter was obviously doing it's job but wow. (fuel caught when changing the filter was clean)

Here's a quick pic of it all laid out on the bench for anyone who might be interested in "what's in a 996 fuel filter".

Parts are in order from left to right with the filter element below. Also notice the nicely colored fluid in the white cap. That's what could have been flowing thru to the engine if the filter failed.

 

Thanks for sharing, cool to see it opened up!

 

Any chance you found instructions on replacement somewhere? Going to tackle this after the holidays.

 

n/m found this great guide from ECS

http://bd8ba3c866c8cbc330ab-7b26c6f3...eplacement.pdf

 

I just replaced mine at 50k .
I didn't feel any difference in running or performance but I do have an additional fuel pump.

 

That's a great find!

 

have 100k on mine. never changed it. usually don't have gravel in my gasoline