I am sometimes surprised by mechanics who do not want to sell me work. This is one such case.
I have a 93PU 2WD with the 22RE, 190000 miles. The fuel filter is original. For various reasons, nobody I have approached is eager to change it. I offered the job to the guy who changed my clutch, 'cause it was quite accessable at the time -- he didn't want to mess with the banjo fittings "'cause they are hard to seal." I just went to the dealer today to buy oil filters and asked the service writer what she thought about driving or changing a filter with so many miles (you would think she'd jump at the business). She said don't touch it unless it clogs up -- that I'd be asking for trouble ("stripped threads, cracked hoses").
I know this is a lifetime filter, but isn't 190000 miles a lifetime for a filter? What kind of experiences do others have, both with life and replacement problems? (I would do it myself -- I am competent). I don't have any performance problems that I can notice. Is failure (by clogging) gradual and noticeable, or will I be stranded without warning?