As part of my normal replace everything when I buy a car, I went looking for a fuel filter and read were the fuel filter is supposed to last the life of the car.
Is that true, because somone would have to be daffy to think a fuel filter will last that long.

 

I rarely trust "lifetime" parts like that, but that's just me. Can't imagine there's harm in replacing it aside from time and cost.

 

Unless you plan on removing the fuel tank, it is a no service item.

 

I have a volante, so does the tank still need to come out?

Can I say that was a REALLY dumb idea on AM's part.

 

Can you not get to the tank's access port with it still in the car, like you can on a V8V?

 

I see a RH fuel filter for DB9's and V8V for anywhere from $130 upto $170 plus shipping. Looking at the pic, they look to be a filter with a cheap hose and plunger apparatus (guess to keep fuel pressure up when engine is off) and according to the diagram the filter resides at the bottom of the tank and held by a bracket. According to my manual, the volantes have an access port to the fuel tank, does not look like the coupes do.
Anyway, going to get one and will let you know what happens.

Also, the description says RH fuel filter, I asked the vendor, but does anybody know if that means RH drive cars or RH side of the tank?

 

You are just asking for trouble changing something that is not meant to be changed as a service item. Good luck.

 

I don't know, people change their tranny fluid here all the time and it is not supposed to be changed either. Besides, except for AM, I know of no other automaker who says the fuel filter lasts the life of the car.

 

Note that rountine gas filter change is now obsolete. Manufactures have found that gas station pumps all have required filters and the gas you get is pretty clean. Gas Filters are now routinely built into the fuel pump. A sock at the pickup end to remove any big stuff and a fine filter inside the pump. Aston Martin is doing what all manufactures are now doing based on their research of pump gas. The gas filter is no longer a service item. Unless you are servicing the tank or fuel pump/pickup I recommend you leave it alone.

 

Wish I would have saved the filter from my jag. I changed a week ago and cut open afterwards, there was sand and other stuff in there. Also, does not matter how many or how good a gas stations filters are, if the gas starts to gel in your tank when it goes bad.
And yes, probably being overly ****, but I like to err on the side of caution, as I do not know the history of this car.