Is it normal to have some fine black stuff in the bottom of the fuel filter housing with only 8500 miles? Are you supposed to try and clean it out or just leave it alone?

 

use a lint free rag and wipe it out. you can also open the drain valve, add clean fuel to rinse it out the drain as well. i always have that black stuff in there. i think it is algae?

 

Turkey baister or however you spell it. I always drain before fuel filter change by opening the valve.

 

Note to self.... Don't go to cromulius's for thanksgiving.

I get that same black stuff in mine. I always use a lint free rag and a long pair of needle nose pliers to wipe it clean before the new filter goes in.