Fuel Filter Replaced = Worse MPG?

[Khronik]

I decided to replace my fuel filter (bought from autozone), it looked bigger but the previous owner(s) had done alot of ghetto fixes so im not sure if that was the right one, but it did fit perfectly in the holding bracket..

this fuel filter from autozone doesnt fit in the holding bracket with the two ends of the bracket touching, I had to use a longer bolt to hold them and theres about a 0.5inch gap in between the bracket ends

I was getting an average of 310miles on a full tank for my weekly drive, and now im getting about 280-290

any ideas?

[OutToWinPAHC]

Go to a different store and see what filter they hand you. Or try an OEM. How was it running before?

[Khronik]

driveability hasnt changed much, it seems to run smoother now but at the cost of 20miles

going to go to the same store today and see if they come up with a different filter and check another store
see what happens

maybe O2's are bad..

[OutToWinPAHC]

I wonder how clogged up it was. I dunno if it is running fine, not rich or lean perhaps it's just because it's flowing more freely.

[A Paratroopers 300zx]

Any possibility of it being installed backwards? If it was accidentally installed backwards... flow of the fuel would be hindered. Just a thought. Also, try another brand of filter. Wix and Fram are pretty decent.

[es.biggs]

Are you positive your driving habits haven't changed at all? If you fill up with 16 gallons that is a little over 1 mpg...driving a little bit more spirited even just a couple times can have that effect.

[Khronik]

i didnt install it backwards as far as i know, the flat of the filter is facing the engine like the previous one

driving hasnt changed much I tend to give some throttle every now and then the first tank was about 30miles short of my usual mark and that was pretty much granny driving, this last tank was 20miles short and I had punched it once to 90 and was playing tag with a BMW down the highway one day

would think the last woulda been short 30miles if anything, not the other way around

*** didnt get a chance to check for filters yesterday got stuck at work....

[Khronik]

checked the book at another store and got the same size filter as was originally on there

anyone ever had power loss from clogged filters?

[OutToWinPAHC]

blockage creates flow resistance which leans it out some. So yeah.

[Khronik]

dunno how clogged the original was, but I still have and it probably weighs a good 5pounds

with the new CORRECT filter, im able to get 2nd to spin again, and 3rd spins in high rpms thought my clutch was going out but apparently not