Fuel Filter

I have a question about fuel filters. The fuel filter does not seem to be a scheduled service item and I did some research and found that Toyota engineers designed the fuel filter with such high efficiency and that most gas is quite clean that the fuel filter does not need to be replaced. Any thoughts?

 

Replace it anyway. They do get dirty inside and can cause hard starting and other problems.

 

I'd change it at 50k intervals anyway.

 

And take your time doing it so you don't ruin the mounting bracket. SMH... things I know now I didn't know then.

 

Replacing a fuel filter every 15,000 miles is what most manufacturers recommend. Never hurts- lets the fuel pump last the life of the vehicle that way

 

Where is the fuel filter located?

 

driver's side, just below the door, on the inside of the frame

 

Lucky SOBs!!! It was tucked under the intake manifold on the 95.5... Ball buster to change!

 

I randomly found a fuel filter for my old 89 4 runner. Examined my 01 fuel filter and realized it was exactly the same so I figured I would swap it out. Pulled the old one out and dumped it out from the in side. The fuel that came out of the filter was the gnarliest fuel I have ever seen it looked brown/green, with shit floating around in it. I'm guessing I was the first one to change it (around 270k). Felt no performance difference, but I was sure glad I had a clean one!

 

On the 4cyl models the fuel filter is under the intake manifold. Non OE repair maunels suggest changing fuel filter every 60,000. Just did the one on my 2.7 at 127,000, had been done once before (had a Chinese replacement that removed). I cut it open and undid the paper element and it was pretty dirty, more so than I expected. Changing one on the 4cyl engines is a challenge.

 

Terrible placement IMO.

 

Never noticed it there. Thanks.

 

That's on the 3.4L V6

 

Correct.

The guy who asked the question doesn't specify what motor he has. So I put mine

 

I change it every spring in my '03, irregardless of mileage driven. They're fairly cheap. And with today's crappy ethanol infested fuels, it's a good idea. IMO.
My truck starts telling me when she needs a new one. She starts running weird, and I know it's time to replace (usually in the spring, around May-ish, for me.) So what I'm saying is, pick a month, and change it every year in that month, just to keep things simple.

 

Agreed, but I would use a mileage based number ( miles driven = amount fuel put in). Either way, change it more often

 

As EDJY also pointed out, the fuel that will come out of the inlet side when you change it is going to be super dirty. Do it. and be careful with the lines that run to it, not much wiggle room.

 

FWIW, If you disconnect the brackets that hold the line to the underside of the body, makes it much easier to get the filter out/in.

 

Anyone notice a problem using an afternarket fuel filter on the 3.4? It seems as if mine started thumping after i put an aftermarket fuel filter on it. Today after further examination it sounds like the thumping that most cant figure what it is is actually coming from the fuel rail? Is this just me?

 

I've had no problem with the WIX filter I put in about 5,000 miles ago