I never liked the idea of not being able to replace the fuel filter; hower my 2009 F150 has one that as far as I know Ford recommends never replacing. I don't understand the purpose for manufacturing this because it seems simple to place an inline filter that can help prolong the fuel system. My question is what are the best maintenance practices other than using top tier fuel and periodic fuel additives. to help prolong the engine and fuel system? Thanks for the help and patience with my ignorance.

 

You answered your own question.

 

Follow the maintenance schedule, and use only top-quality parts & fluids. You probably don't understand how the PCM works, either. That doesn't mean you should bypass it, or attempt to redesign it. Just trust that the Ford engineers DID know what they were doing, and follow their instructions. If you DON'T trust them, buy a different brand that still uses antiquated designs.

 

What does the power-train control module have to do with his fuel filter??

 

Don’t lob a pile of sand or concrete in the fuel tank?

Never have had an issue with in-tank filters, but it doesn’t take much to clog an inline filter once crud gets passed the pump on older designs, which won’t help the pump itself.

Had a ‘69 Beetle as a first car. Installed a new higher cap gas tank and all the inner coating ended up in the fuel filter. Time for a new filter. That stuff wouldn’t be anywhere near as concentrated just floating in the fuel tank and not getting by an in-tank version.

 

I'm betting he got the point, but just to help you...

It's something of which his understanding is equal to that of the non-serviceable filter, so he should spend equal time, effort, & money redesigning their systems: zero.