Changed moms fuel filter, rust colored liquid came out when i took it off is this a sign of a problem?

1989 subaru justy gl 3 cylinder the old fuel filter was filled with a rust colored liquid is it just because the darn thing hasn't been replaced in so long or could there be something wrong with the fuel pump or the tank?Changed moms fuel filter, rust colored liquid came out when i took it off is this a sign of a problem?
No, it's most likely sediment and other crud that was accumulated in the fuel filter. The old fuel filter was doing it's job to keep these particulates from harming the fuel injectors (or carburetor) and the engine. Changed moms fuel filter, rust colored liquid came out when i took it off is this a sign of a problem?
more than likely mom does drive a lot and not long distances. a lot of fuel stations have water contamination in their fuel (your fuel) in our normal driving we notice it from poor fuel milage on a tank of fuel or poor performance but if cars set a long time between driving them the water and fuel seperate and the water can set at the bottom and coorode the tank floor. try changing her filter every 3 months and see if it continues. I would start adding a fuel addative to her car for this problem. sta bil is the product.
nothing is wrong with your pump, fuel filter at this stage should be replaced. you probably have water in the tank causing it to rust. rust in gas is never a good sign, But easy fix. Replace fuel filter. fill tank up go driving empty the tank and fill it up again and drive again till tank empty after 2 tanks of gas it will return to normal then if your extra careful change the filter again.
rust is common in fuel tanks on vehicles which sit , it is not unheard of to have some water vapor in fuel tank which turn into water in the tank. If the vehicle runs well every couple of tank fulls run some dry gas additive it should cut down on the water damage (rust) in the tank and lines
Pretty common if it hasn't been replaced in a long time. Rust develops in the fuel tank and your most likely seeing what the filter caught.





I doubt anythings wrong. Does it run well?
it was dirty and gas does look rusty kind of most likely its just the age of car and it has some trash in the tank should be ok
absolutely not a problem. they all look like that when removed.
Use some HEET the next couple of gas fill ups. That will help with any water that may be in the tank
could be water in gas tank causing rusting problem. Does vehicle sit around a lot?
no problem you did the right thing and just in time you saved her a lot of money down the line with repair bills