how was inside:
cut open the old filter, spread the accordion-like paper and let it dry under the sun. strong smell. 1 side was considerably darker than the other.
stretched it with my bare hands and washed them, but was not able to get rid of the stench. washed several times but still the stench lasted until next day.
i guess some powerful ingredients in the gas were collecting there for a long time. gas coming out of the pump at the gas station does not smell even close to that.
found this about when to replace it:
" Sources online estimate filters should be replaced as soon as every 20,000 up to 40,000 miles or more. “If none is specified [in the owner's manual], replace it every one to two years depending on miles driven,” Kreitzer says. “Thirty thousand miles is a good idea for a ballpark interval.”
and replacing it made the engine run smoother, so it confirms the convenience of removing it earlier.
the screw that tightens the 8 figure clamp that holds together the pump and the filter was rusted and made things difficult. the clamp was rusted too, and the inner side of the cover had a good amount of leaves and dirt. maybe it was not as tight as should be. but the pump and the filter were clean, perhaps because are made of aluminum.
i think it is convenient, as preventive maintenance, to open it now and then and check for dust/dirt.
the bad thing of buying a xf with over 60,000 miles is that there are many things that should be done way before, and you have no idea what previous owners had done.
the good thing for me, is that i like to work on my car, to do as much as possible instead of taking it a mechanic. about the changes of oils and the like, i prefer to do it myself because am sure that the right material was used. when leave it to a garage you cant be sure if they did it right. we see so many reports of mismanaging that is scaring.
anyway, this is it. thank you for following me in this adventure. and i like this car more everyday.