Canister Fuel Filter, How Do You Know When To Replace?

[CADplans]

My JD 4105 (Yanmar engine) has a clear water separator,, and a metal cannister fuel filter.
From the outside, the cannister fuel filter looks EXACTLY like a spin on oil filter.

The filter in question is the one shown here with the Japanese writing,,

How do I tell when it needs replaced?
a) wait for the engine to stop running?
b) wait for the engine to be hard to start?

I can not go by hours, the tractor gets too few hours of operation,,
I think the filter and water separator get a "waxy buildup" over the winter,,

so,, maybe,,
c) replace the fuel filter each spring?

The tractor has been a little harder to start than usual (slightly more cranking needed) , so I replaced the fuel filter.
The engine "seems" to start quicker,,

So, do you have any hints as to when I should change the filter??

 

[RickB]

When I was in NY fuel gelling and the freezing of any water in filters or water separators was probably more of a concern than it might be in Roanoke. Maybe. My strategy for several decades was to change my tractor's fuel filters between Halloween and Thanksgiving every year regardless of hours of use. I NEVER had fuel problems after starting that schedule.

 

[Reconjack]

Follow your operator manual change intervals, in lieu of that, I agree with RickB, regardless of use, change it annually. Cheap insurance.

 

[oosik]

I have NEVER had problems with water in my diesel. Twenty seven years on my first tractor - never a problem. On my Kubota I will go by exactly what is recommended in my Op Manual.

I attribute this success to two factors - my diesel fuel is stored under cover. I fill up my tractor EVERY time I use it. Regardless of how long - NO exceptions.

 

[cqaigy2]

I have NEVER had problems with water in my diesel. Twenty seven years on my first tractor - never a problem. On my Kubota I will go by exactly what is recommended in my Op Manual.

I attribute this success to two factors - my diesel fuel is stored under cover. I fill up my tractor EVERY time I use it. Regardless of how long - NO exceptions.

That and having low precipitation and humidity.