Possible Fuel Fiter Problem ???

Bump. I wonder if the OP will come back with the solution?

I don't necessarily know just what is clogging up the filter in all cases, but a quality premium gasoline seems to have detergents that eliminate some of the clog. Over the course of 50+ years of driving I've had this condition a couple of times where using this temporary treatment has resulted in some improvement. On an occasion where a slug of rust-like material made its way into my tank I had to change out several fuel filters before enough of the contaminate was eliminated. Knowing when to change out the filters was determined by loss of power when climbing a nearby hill. Filters did the job without removing and cleaning the tank (the pump was external to the tank). Not the OC approach, but in the end, adequate.

DougE wrote:
Nope 2byz2c. A fuel filter that is becoming clogged doesn't initially stop the fuel from flowing, it just reduces the quantity available. So while you may be getting enough fuel through the filter to cruise at 60 mph, when you push on the gas pedal to accelerate or provide more power to climb a hill (or steep bridge) there is not enough additional gas to allow that to happen and the engine falters. An engine "shutting off" is more descriptive of a failing fuel pump.

I sort of agree, but no matter what the fuel delivery system is not doing, i.e., filter, pump etc, the engine is being starved of fuel and the symptoms of such are very characteristic. An experienced mechanic can tell the difference right away. Those less mechanically inclined will have a more difficult time telling the difference.

Let's hope the OP comes back to tell us what is wrong. That will be the deciding factor.

Nope 2byz2c. A fuel filter that is becoming clogged doesn't initially stop the fuel from flowing, it just reduces the quantity available. So while you may be getting enough fuel through the filter to cruise at 60 mph, when you push on the gas pedal to accelerate or provide more power to climb a hill (or steep bridge) there is not enough additional gas to allow that to happen and the engine falters. An engine "shutting off" is more descriptive of a failing fuel pump.

DougE wrote:
Yes. That's a classic symptom of a clogged fuel filter. If you're on the road and you suspect it's a fuel filter problem, a tank of major brand premium will usually dissolve some of the crud in the filter and allow you to get to a reasonable service location.

It's gas, not acid.

If it is as you describe, "missing" then you can rule out the fuel filter. Either it gets gas or not. Bad or clogged fuel filter symptoms would feel like the engine shut off, then restarted. Very distinct difference. Missing, means the engine continues to run but it "stumbles" and "coughs" just to be as descriptive as possible. As a few mentioned in here, I would look towards the spark plug wires first as the culprit. The general symptoms are loss of power under load. Sounds like that is what you have.

fredbon wrote:
Sorry folks, I change my filter every two years, buy fuel a major suppliers, never had a fuel problem. However plugs and plug wires are another issue, replaced twice when the symptoms mentioned in the OP were present.

Fred

Boy would I like to do this, but... It also made me think of how many items I do each season that probably could go much longer. Sorry to hijack thread for a moment!

Sorry folks, I change my filter every two years, buy fuel a major suppliers, never had a fuel problem. However plugs and plug wires are another issue, replaced twice when the symptoms mentioned in the OP were present.

Fred

That is a good idea to have an extra fuel filter with you...or two.

I carry a spare fuel filter with me. When I notice any change in throttle response or drop in fuel mileage, I change it out. I change the filter after each trip of over 5000 miles.
Fuel injectors do not like debris!