My mechanic, I’ve known and used for several years and multiple cars, informed me that the ‘98 LS400 does clog and once replaced my check engine light goes off and I found my fuel consumption decreased and MPG improved too. (The only time my “check engine” light comes on is when it was time to replace the fuel filter.)
It seems more than reasonable that filters are meant to capture detritus. Oil filters perform the same way yet I wager no one disputes the importance of changing that filter every X thousand miles.
Since then I have been more interested in doing many maintenance acts on my own. With time, patience, following the steps and with the right tools anyone can do most of the simple jobs, to include replacing the fuel line filter. I always spray the bolts with degreaser/WD40 too.
