Change your fuel filter... NOW

humanoid · 06-19-2004, 02:48 PM

Just got the opportunity to change out my fuel filter on my Taco today which was a snap. I had about 93K miles and thought it was time to do so. The Stealer says the fuel filter is not a serviceable item and therefore is not covered in any maintenance schedules. I say BS, if you can unscrew it and take it off, you can definitely fix it or replace it.

Here are the steps involved: Undid the gas cap to relieve pressure in the system. Got my bucket out to catch the spilled gasoline. Unscrewed the 2 banjo fittings holding the fuel line into the filter. Unscrewed the 2 nuts holding the filter in place. Pulled out the old and put on the new.... and VOILA! Instant throttle response.

I couldn't believe it, after the new fuel filter was installed, it seems like I was driving a new car. Throttle response was tremendous, just tapped on the pedal on it seemed I had a supercharger on! May be a bit exaggerated, but that was the feeling I got. Your experience may vary of course. I'll keep you folks updated on the gas mileage if it should affect it.

IF YOU FOLKS HAVEN'T CHANGED YOUR FUEL FILTER YET, DO IT AND YOU WON'T REGRET IT!

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Glenn · 06-19-2004, 04:23 PM

I would, but it is not a "snap" for the unfortunate pre-Tacoma owners. It's more of a "sailor words" type of maintenance item, at least on the 22RE.

Nitro Hotpants · 06-19-2004, 04:38 PM

i have been wondering about this, and i just assumed the dealers did this as normal maintenance. im guessing mine has never been changed. it there a write-up somewhere for 3rd gen 4runners? or is it the same on Tacos?
i want to do this, but dont know how to go about it...

-Casey

Tacoma Dude · 06-19-2004, 04:43 PM

Seems pretty easy...
Is it in a harder to work location on other rigs?

humanoid · 06-19-2004, 04:46 PM

Hmmmm. Not sure if the location of your fuel filter is the same as in my Taco, which is on the inner frame on the driver's side. I think on the 2.7 though, it is on the engine on the driver's side right under the exhaust manifold. I could be mistaken so just wait for others to chime in and correct me, but that's how it is on my dad's Taco. BTW, I hear it's a "beyotch" to take off though.

Cebby · 06-19-2004, 05:35 PM

2G Runners has it in a spot where making it an "unserviceable" item makes sense. I'm afraid to touch mine since I have a touch of rust under my rig.

Scofco · 06-19-2004, 05:39 PM

Thanks for the reminder, it's been on my to-do list for awhile now.
I don't think it's ever been replaced before

RTdawgs · 06-19-2004, 06:11 PM

for 3rd Gen 4Runners, the fuel filter is just on the inside of the drivers side frame rail under the drivers door.

Nic · 06-19-2004, 07:20 PM

Yeah, the fuel filter is a little tough to get to on the 2.7L. It is under the intake manifold on the driver's side. You have to take the wheel off and get to it that way.

My truck had about 120K miles on it when I changed it, and it definitely needed it. I don't think the previous owner had ever done it. I cut it in half to see how bad it was:

http://community.webshots.com/photo/...18292209CbHfPR

roger · 06-20-2004, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by humanoid

Just got the opportunity to change out my fuel filter on my Taco today which was a snap. I had about 93K miles and thought it was time to do so. The Stealer says the fuel filter is not a serviceable item and therefore is not covered in any maintenance schedules. I say BS, if you can unscrew it and take it off, you can definitely fix it or replace it.

Your stealership is full of . It is a maintenance item (I'm looking at the maint. schedule as I type this) and it should be done every 60k miles, if not every 30k. Of course, my dealer charges $85, which is a ripoff considering you can get the part for about $30 and it takes less than half an hour to install.

/Doesn't go to stealership anymore....

keisur · 06-20-2004, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by humanoid

Hmmmm. Not sure if the location of your fuel filter is the same as in my Taco, which is on the inner frame on the driver's side. I think on the 2.7 though, it is on the engine on the driver's side right under the exhaust manifold. I could be mistaken so just wait for others to chime in and correct me, but that's how it is on my dad's Taco. BTW, I hear it's a "beyotch" to take off though.

That's exactly where the 2.7's filter is. I changed my wife's when she had the '99 taco with the 2.7 and it took me about 4 hours!

keisur · 06-20-2004, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RTdawgs

for 3rd Gen 4Runners, the fuel filter is just on the inside of the drivers side frame rail under the drivers door.

for V6 3rd gens you mean.

Nitro Hotpants · 06-20-2004, 02:55 PM

thanx for the help, ill attack this next weekend i think, ive got 128,000 on my 2.7 now and im not sure its ever been changed.

Nic · 06-21-2004, 07:28 AM

Casey, if you're 4Runner is like my 2.7L Tacoma, you will need some long extensions or one very long one, a universal joint, and probably a stubby wrench or stubby ratchet to undo the fittings on the fuel lines. Loosen the fuel line fittings on the filter before unscrewing the bolts holding the filter on the engine block.

By the way, it helps to have magnet inserts for your your socket when undoing the bolts that hold the filter to engine block. That way you won't lose them when you take them out and it is almost necessary when reinstalling them. If you don't have something to keep them in the socket, they will almost certainly fall out.

sage · 06-26-2004, 06:29 AM

Humanoid (I'm assuming this is you Ray),
I recently had my fuel filter changed on my 97 4runner (along with the clutch) and I definitely feel like the throttle response is better. The dealer up here in North County also said it was not necessary but I did it anyway.

The SoCal guys recommended a place called Protrux in San Marcos that has turned out to be a quality place with good prices. They do fabrication and custom work and the owner has been in San Diego his whole life. Where do you get your work done?

Sage (Sayjal)

P.S. How's the E39?

humanoid · 06-26-2004, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sage

Humanoid (I'm assuming this is you Ray),
I recently had my fuel filter changed on my 97 4runner (along with the clutch) and I definitely feel like the throttle response is better. The dealer up here in North County also said it was not necessary but I did it anyway.

The SoCal guys recommended a place called Protrux in San Marcos that has turned out to be a quality place with good prices. They do fabrication and custom work and the owner has been in San Diego his whole life. Where do you get your work done?

Sage (Sayjal)

P.S. How's the E39?

Uhhhhhh, no my name is not Ray

sage · 06-26-2004, 06:43 PM

Sorry. It's funny that I know a guy named Ray whose handle on another forum is humanoid and he lives in San Diego......coincidence?

He has a Dinan BMW 540 and I thought he bought a Toyota.

humanoid · 06-26-2004, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sage

Sorry. It's funny that I know a guy named Ray whose handle on another forum is humanoid and he lives in San Diego......coincidence?

He has a Dinan BMW 540 and I thought he bought a Toyota.

No problem, it's cool, no harm done!

Bob_98SR5 · 07-03-2004, 02:04 AM

guys,

i wrote a write up that explains the procedure: http://www.4runners.org/articles/fuelfilter

bob

4RUNR · 07-03-2004, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Undid the gas cap to relieve pressure in the system.

Pressure is in the fuel line, not the tank. Releasing pressure somewhere else would be more beneficial to the success of the project

4RUNR · 07-03-2004, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Begin by opening your gas cap to depressurize your fuel line.

Bob, I'm not understanding this. Isn't the pressure after the pump?
Taking out the pump fuse and starting the engine is the only way to depressurize the fuel lines as far as I know.

88yotaboy · 07-03-2004, 01:42 PM

This is prolly a stupid question but where is the fuel filter located on an 88 pickup?

L33T35T 4Runner · 07-03-2004, 04:00 PM

any second gen writeups out there? i'll probably do this when i get back from my deployment

Bob_98SR5 · 07-03-2004, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4RUNR

Bob, I'm not understanding this. Isn't the pressure after the pump?
Taking out the pump fuse and starting the engine is the only way to depressurize the fuel lines as far as I know.

4Runr,

Yes, you're right. Maybe I should write "partially depressurize"? What do you think?

As far as what you recommended, i dont think that's entirely necesary but I'll add it to the write up. Regardless, a fair amount of fuel will be in there anyways.

Bob

4RUNR · 07-03-2004, 06:25 PM

Yah totally unnecessary, I think pumps on the 3rg gen 'leak' anyway. The logic behind it is the 'hard' starting; which is remedied by turning key to ACC for a few seconds to energize the fuel pump and build up the pressure.

And I did notice that 'hard' starting is present only after sitting for 3+ hours, otherwise it starts up fine, which I guess supports the hypothesis

06-19-2004, 04:23 PM	#2 (permalink)
Glenn Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: ELN Posts: 1,651	I would, but it is not a "snap" for the unfortunate pre-Tacoma owners. It's more of a "sailor words" type of maintenance item, at least on the 22RE. __________________ -Glenn-

06-19-2004, 04:38 PM	#3 (permalink)
Nitro Hotpants Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 1,135	i have been wondering about this, and i just assumed the dealers did this as normal maintenance. im guessing mine has never been changed. it there a write-up somewhere for 3rd gen 4runners? or is it the same on Tacos? i want to do this, but dont know how to go about it... -Casey __________________ 2WD 4Runner with 4WD running gear SOME PICS!

06-19-2004, 04:43 PM	#4 (permalink)
Tacoma Dude Contributing Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 8,360	Seems pretty easy... Is it in a harder to work location on other rigs? __________________ Peter! 2002 Tacoma 1986 4Runner

06-19-2004, 04:46 PM	#5 (permalink)
humanoid Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Sunny SoCal Posts: 1,192	Hmmmm. Not sure if the location of your fuel filter is the same as in my Taco, which is on the inner frame on the driver's side. I think on the 2.7 though, it is on the engine on the driver's side right under the exhaust manifold. I could be mistaken so just wait for others to chime in and correct me, but that's how it is on my dad's Taco. BTW, I hear it's a "beyotch" to take off though. __________________ '99 Taco PreRunner V6 3.4L Last edited by humanoid; 06-19-2004 at 04:47 PM.

06-19-2004, 05:35 PM	#6 (permalink)
Cebby Contributing Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 11,246	2G Runners has it in a spot where making it an "unserviceable" item makes sense. I'm afraid to touch mine since I have a touch of rust under my rig. __________________ UZswap.com A site dedicated to sharing info for swapping the Toyota/ Lexus UZ (V8) engines into Toyota Trucks and 4Runners. My 4Runner 1993 4Runner, 1UZ (V8) auto dual ultimate crawler, double locked, 35's on beadlocked SR5 alloys, low lift, hacked fenders, tubbed firewall, custom armor TOOLandFAB.com A discussion forum dedicated to tools, fabrication & workshops. See my JD2 Bender Hydro Conversion BUY THIS 2008 CALENDAR

06-19-2004, 05:39 PM	#7 (permalink)
Scofco Contributing Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 3,577	Thanks for the reminder, it's been on my to-do list for awhile now. I don't think it's ever been replaced before __________________

06-19-2004, 06:11 PM	#8 (permalink)
RTdawgs Contributing Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Georgia Posts: 2,066	for 3rd Gen 4Runners, the fuel filter is just on the inside of the drivers side frame rail under the drivers door. __________________ Ryan New: 2008 4Runner Sport. Mild, not wild. Old: 2000 4Runner 305s, Locker, TJM, Warn, Skids, Sliders, SC

06-19-2004, 07:20 PM	#9 (permalink)
Nic Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Decatur, Alabama Posts: 1,038	Yeah, the fuel filter is a little tough to get to on the 2.7L. It is under the intake manifold on the driver's side. You have to take the wheel off and get to it that way. My truck had about 120K miles on it when I changed it, and it definitely needed it. I don't think the previous owner had ever done it. I cut it in half to see how bad it was: http://community.webshots.com/photo/...18292209CbHfPR __________________ Nic 1997 Tacoma 4X4 Xtra Cab 2.7L 5 speed

06-20-2004, 02:55 PM	#13 (permalink)
Nitro Hotpants Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 1,135	thanx for the help, ill attack this next weekend i think, ive got 128,000 on my 2.7 now and im not sure its ever been changed. __________________ 2WD 4Runner with 4WD running gear SOME PICS!

06-21-2004, 07:28 AM	#14 (permalink)
Nic Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Decatur, Alabama Posts: 1,038	Casey, if you're 4Runner is like my 2.7L Tacoma, you will need some long extensions or one very long one, a universal joint, and probably a stubby wrench or stubby ratchet to undo the fittings on the fuel lines. Loosen the fuel line fittings on the filter before unscrewing the bolts holding the filter on the engine block. By the way, it helps to have magnet inserts for your your socket when undoing the bolts that hold the filter to engine block. That way you won't lose them when you take them out and it is almost necessary when reinstalling them. If you don't have something to keep them in the socket, they will almost certainly fall out. __________________ Nic 1997 Tacoma 4X4 Xtra Cab 2.7L 5 speed Last edited by Nic; 06-21-2004 at 07:30 AM.

06-26-2004, 06:29 AM	#15 (permalink)
sage Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: SoCal Posts: 36	Humanoid (I'm assuming this is you Ray), I recently had my fuel filter changed on my 97 4runner (along with the clutch) and I definitely feel like the throttle response is better. The dealer up here in North County also said it was not necessary but I did it anyway. The SoCal guys recommended a place called Protrux in San Marcos that has turned out to be a quality place with good prices. They do fabrication and custom work and the owner has been in San Diego his whole life. Where do you get your work done? Sage (Sayjal) P.S. How's the E39? __________________ '97 SR5 4X4

06-26-2004, 06:43 PM	#17 (permalink)
sage Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: SoCal Posts: 36	Sorry. It's funny that I know a guy named Ray whose handle on another forum is humanoid and he lives in San Diego......coincidence? He has a Dinan BMW 540 and I thought he bought a Toyota. __________________ '97 SR5 4X4

07-03-2004, 02:04 AM	#19 (permalink)
Bob_98SR5 Contributing Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 10,092	guys, i wrote a write up that explains the procedure: http://www.4runners.org/articles/fuelfilter bob

07-03-2004, 01:42 PM	#22 (permalink)
88yotaboy Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Groveland, California Posts: 290	This is prolly a stupid question but where is the fuel filter located on an 88 pickup? __________________ 2001 Tacoma 3.4 V6 5spd SR5 TRD 4x4 86 4runner sas, 35s

07-03-2004, 04:00 PM	#23 (permalink)
L33T35T 4Runner Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Fountain Valley, CA (so cali) Posts: 2,005	any second gen writeups out there? i'll probably do this when i get back from my deployment __________________ 95 4Runner SR5 3.0l. V6 2 wheel drive baby! 31" Bridgeston Dueler A/T Revos. Downey 1.5 Coils. Doetsch MV-12 Shocks. Brembo Rotors. Performance Friction Pads. Pioneer head unit with 1 12" Pioneer woofer. XM Radio. RB Headlight Harness w/ Sylvania SilverStars New to the family: 85 4Runner 22RE, 4x4, 5 spd, SFA. 31" BFG All Terrain T/A KOs, genuine Walmart seat covers, "Dual" stereo, XM Radio, RB Headlight Harness w/ Sylvania SilverStars. Onboard air. Has been seafoamed to hell

07-03-2004, 06:25 PM	#25 (permalink)
4RUNR Guest Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: North Pole Posts: 1,619	Yah totally unnecessary, I think pumps on the 3rg gen 'leak' anyway. The logic behind it is the 'hard' starting; which is remedied by turning key to ACC for a few seconds to energize the fuel pump and build up the pressure. And I did notice that 'hard' starting is present only after sitting for 3+ hours, otherwise it starts up fine, which I guess supports the hypothesis

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