The thought did cross my mind! Hmmmmmm new injectors

 

I agree to let it ride if you have no other symptoms. If you have smoke, hard starts, loss of power, or other symptoms you're not comfortable with - there are tests you can conduct to see if you have bad O-rings. If you do have bad O-rings, it's an inexpensive (but wrench-intensive) fix.

 

FYI....I don't "look" at my fuel filter every 1000-2000 miles. That v shaped sealing ring is a one time use deal in my experience. Having a look and then having the fuel filter cap leak is major pita.

I'd, and already do, find a website with the cheapest price on the OEM filter, buy 6 or so. I'd run 2k and change it...paying close attention to the color and oil consumption, then 5k. There is a school of thought, well founded, that the dead end OEM fuel system on the SD's doesn't lend itself to diagnosing the injector o-rings by the color of the filter.

Are you headed for injectors? Like death and taxes....we're all headed there...not a matter of if, but when.