Fuel Filter Headache

Has anybody changed a fuel filter on a 2003 model taco. I have the 2.7 L don't know if that makes a difference. Anyway I thought it would be an easy change cause I initially thaught it would be located under the driver side door like most. I was wrong its under the intake manifold and impossible to dig out. Has anybody dealt with this issue? Tell me there is a trick to getting it out without tearing the engine apart.

 

It's pretty much set up the same as the 22RE fuel filter was, and it can be removed (did it on my '97 w/ 2.7L and my old '92). It takes time, patience and flexibility. Can't really remember how I did it on both - it has been a long time. But it is doable without pulling apart the motor.

 

My understanding is that the fuel filter does not need to be changed very often.

Does anyone know what the book calls for?

In any case, I like to change filters per recommendation by the factory as a PM item.

 

Fuel filter in the gas tank on mine. It's a sock on the fuel pump and the fuel pump is in the gas tank. A real PITA for DIY. You can put a external fuel pump on - there is a link on here somewhere.

 

Look at your service schedule. I bet you won't find fuel filter mentioned at all. They claim 1 million mile, yet people want to change them anyway.

 

There is a million mile thread on here somewhere. Maybe there should be a link for gas filter on that thread.

 

According to Toyota service manual information, the 2003 Tacoma does not have an external filter for the 2.7L engine. The only filter it shows is the one in the tank. It does not have a service/replacement schedule. The 1999 model year was the last year of the external fuel filters for the Prerunner Tacoma.

 

I can't speak for the 03, but my 01 DC has one under the intake manifold.
A MAJOR PITA. Took me about 45 min. to replace, probably twice that to figure out HOW.
Sorry I don't buy into the million mile thing.

Here's a few hints:
Remove left front wheel and the rubber flap thing in the wheel well.
You will need different length extensions, and a wobble (not a swivel) is a huge help for the bracket that holds it to the block.
Loosen the lines first then the brackets.
When installing, connect the lines, very loose, then the brackets.
Tighten bracket then the lines.

 

No origami or contortion, just the right tools and approach.
The less you remove, the less less likely things go bad.

 

i agree with Twisted.......and the wheel well is the key, he beat me to it

 

There are some things that are a bigger pain than needed. The fuel filter is one of them For that I'd write the check and have a coke in the waiting room.

 

I used this guide when changing my 2.7 filter, its not too bad.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1s...fuel-filter-replacement-diy-6-easy-steps.html

 

this one is way better and it relocates the filter for simple easy access anytime you need it

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1s...diy-2-4l-2-7l-fuel-filter-relocation-mod.html

 

My 02 2.7 has the fuel filter under the intake manifold as well.