A B757-200 flight reported diverting to a nearby airport when they received a engine fuel filter EIC...

Narrative:

After departure in climb approx. FL320 we had a 'left engine fuel filter' EICAS indication. We referenced and accomplished the QRH for procedure and guidance. The QRH required 'land at nearest suitable airport'. After ATC and dispatch coordination; we elected [a nearby airport that] was a good option. In addition; the decision to divert was based on a combination of factors including; but not limited to; proximity in distance and time; emergency facilities; subsequent maintenance; and customer service options. Adding to this decision was this fuel filter issue had previously; earlier in our day; resulted in a significant maintenance delay. This aircraft inbound had the same EICAS indication prior to landing. Maintenance changed the fuel filter and fuel pressure sensor on the left engine. The filter showed contamination of a dark blue plastic/rubber matter. After completing their work; maintenance ran the engine and signed the aircraft back into service.

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: A B757-200 flight reported diverting to a nearby airport when they received a ENG FUEL FILTER EICAS message on climbout. Aircraft had shown the same symptom on the inbound flight.

Narrative: After departure in climb approx. FL320 we had a 'LEFT ENG FUEL FILTER' EICAS indication. We referenced and accomplished the QRH for procedure and guidance. The QRH required 'Land at nearest suitable airport'. After ATC and Dispatch coordination; we elected [a nearby airport that] was a good option. In addition; the decision to divert was based on a combination of factors including; but not limited to; proximity in distance and time; emergency facilities; subsequent maintenance; and customer service options. Adding to this decision was this fuel filter issue had previously; earlier in our day; resulted in a significant maintenance delay. This aircraft inbound had the same EICAS indication prior to landing. Maintenance changed the fuel filter and fuel pressure sensor on the left engine. The filter showed contamination of a dark blue plastic/rubber matter. After completing their work; Maintenance ran the engine and signed the aircraft back into service.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.

Attributes
ACN	978709
Time
Date	201111
Local Time Of Day	1201-1800
Place
Locale Reference	ZZZ.ARTCC
State Reference	US
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	B757-200
Component
Aircraft Component	Engine Fuel Filter
Person 1
Function	Captain Pilot Flying
Qualification	Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Experience	Flight Crew Last 90 Days 240 Flight Crew Total 15000 Flight Crew Type 2000
Person 2
Function	First Officer Pilot Not Flying
Events
Anomaly	Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe

A B757-200 flight reported diverting to a nearby airport when they received a engine fuel filter EICAS message on climbout. Aircraft had shown the same symptom on the inbound flight.