clear plastic fuel filter looks black

[lostu]

hi ,please can someone tell me when the fuel filter should be changed in a S3,taking the lotus for a spin it seemed a bit of a stutter whilst driving,the filter has been in over 3 to 4 years the clear plastic you can see the paper filter is all black with little bits floating about also the fuel seems to look abit yellowish or maybe thats a reflection,could this be causing a lack of power on pull off thanks

[ramjet]

I don't know the interval, but based on your description, I'd change it. They're cheap. Any suggested interval is based on an accepted fuel standard. If you have been getting supplied dirty fuel or your tanks are corroding, then that interval will obviously shorten.

Change it and be done with it.

[andydclements]

If it's an after-market in-line type you're describing and the paper has gone black then I'd say yes change it, but consider if there's anything you can do to lessen the debris you mush have floating around in your tank.