How often should you change your Fuel Filter?

Rspct2All · 01-03-2008, 11:50 PM

How often should the Fuel Filter be replaced?

As well, I'd like to ask:
My 4Runner is running a bit rougher than it used too... especially after my recent trip that was 350miles one way and 350miles back. What could be it? As I noted, and by taking mkgarrison5's advice, I'll have my Check Engine light checked tomorrow. It was on since my trip started, but it happened last minute, so I was riding on hope to my destination and back...

Thanks everyone.

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Elton · 01-03-2008, 11:55 PM

155k on the stock one still runs better than new maybe all you need to do is a minor tune up

MyNew99 · 01-04-2008, 03:48 AM

I just changed my stock fuel filter and i am pushing 300k miles. But it was much needed. I probably should have changed it sooner!

mkgarrison5 · 01-04-2008, 05:22 AM

it could be your O2 sensor if your light came on.. you need to do whats on the list and find out what is causing the light to come on. quit talking and get to work my friend :-)

fatrick24 · 01-04-2008, 06:09 AM

change it when you have no other options thats my motto it is a bitch on my 88 i changed it at 220k this summer

ozziesironmanoffroad · 01-04-2008, 06:14 AM

i think the manual says 'every 60 to 80,000' but i put 245k on my fuel filter before replacing it.

111db · 01-04-2008, 06:27 AM

Yeah I'd get the CEL checked out before changing anything. My fuel filter has 150k on it.

Adam F · 01-04-2008, 09:34 AM

Manual says its a lifetime part. But I would go ahead and change it every 100k just to be sure. You never know if you have sediment in your gas tank. I did on my 88, and it severly plugged up my fuel injectors.

toytech76 · 01-04-2008, 09:51 AM

Toyota never recommends replacing it under NORMAL conditions. If you are hard on your truck, use crap gas, or are running it thru alot of mud and sand it wouldn't be a bad idea

frodin1 · 01-04-2008, 10:22 AM

Toyota does say it's a lifetime part, but I find it funny that most autoparts places carry the part in stock. Napa gold I think was $17bucks. I changed mine at 50k just because there used to be a post on here that had shown the inside of a filter at 50K and it was quite nasty. I think for under $20 it's cheap insurance just to change it, then your fuel pump doesn't have to struggle to push through a bunch of garbage. Goodluck.

infiltrator · 01-04-2008, 10:24 AM

if mine was clogged, would that reduce my gas mileage?

FavreRunner · 01-04-2008, 10:35 AM

xxxxxxxxxx

Tylercs · 01-04-2008, 10:43 AM

Wow you guys have gone a long way without a clogged filter. I have put 50k on my truck (now has 201k) and have had to replace it twice. I must have crap in my tank or something.

infiltrator · 01-04-2008, 10:57 AM

what kind of gas do you use? i only use shell.

toytech76 · 01-04-2008, 11:44 AM

I have had 4 toyota 4x4's and never changed my fuel filters. Like I said, it depends on fuel and operating conditions

fatrick24 · 01-04-2008, 12:03 PM

yawhen the fuel filter gets cloged you do lose gas milage about 2 mpg my ford gas computor went up for mpg from 13.1 to 15 after i changd itbecause i was pissed and i didnt know what it was droping and my cevy isnow doing the same thing

Ultraman V · 01-04-2008, 12:09 PM

I just replaced mine at 190K miles, when I was up in the Mtns a few weeks ago I could hear my fuel pump humming/buzzing a bit louder than I like it to, so I figured an easy 1st step was the filter. So far so good. I do have an extra pump at home on the shelf in case I need to go to step 2. When I bought the truck last summer the PO gave me a fuel pump, T-Belt, Water pump, and three U-joints that he kept in the truck....just in case.
Oh, and a set of 32" chains. But the truck has 33's on it

infiltrator · 01-04-2008, 02:23 PM

where would be a good place to get a fuel filter for my truck? would just the yota dealership be fine?

ive never done this and have no clue where the fuel filter is located, but with you guys, i think i can do it :]

Rspct2All · 01-04-2008, 03:02 PM

Great, thanks a lot for the tip/info guys. mkgarrison5, I know I know, lol, I'm getting off work now to get this done. O2 sensor sounds right. Talk to you guys later when I get things done.

cgeorge · 01-05-2008, 05:24 AM

It really isn't expensive or hard to change out. I changed mine at 100k.

infiltrator · 01-05-2008, 09:08 AM

where would be a good place to get a fuel filter? yota dealer or napa or online?

MTL_4runner · 01-05-2008, 09:24 AM

There's another thread on this already.....

Here's my comment on the Toyota "lifetime fuel filter"
http://www.yotatech.com/50434763-post16.html

cgeorge · 01-05-2008, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by infiltrator

where would be a good place to get a fuel filter? yota dealer or napa or online?

Whichever is convenient for you. I picked up mine at the dealer.

GhostriderTx · 01-05-2008, 06:42 PM

Well I must have been bored because I did mine at 30 and 60K..

youngbuck · 01-05-2008, 08:04 PM

Yea, it's such a cheap and inexpensive part, and easy to replace, I would replace it just as part of your preventative maintainence routine. Personally, I think every 60k would be a safe bet. It just seems odd that Toyota says it's a lifetime part. There are other vehicles where the manufacturer recommends fuel filter replacement at 30k. So, how is the Toyota fuel system that much different? Not saying that never changing it would be BAD, but I think it would be good to change it at some interval.

01-03-2008, 11:55 PM	#2 (permalink)
Elton Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Siletz,Oregon Posts: 10,655	155k on the stock one still runs better than new maybe all you need to do is a minor tune up __________________ My Truck 98 4runner SR5 3.4L 5spd 4x4 E-Locker Mods Mom 07 Tundra d-cab limited 5.7L 4x4 auto sister 92 pickup SR5 X-cab 3.0L 5spd 4x4 Papa 89 Pickup SR5 X-cab 4x4 3.0L 5spd/98 4runner SR5 4x4 auto 3.4L R.I.P 91 4runner SR5 4x4 3.0L 5spd Totaled 5/13/06 My Wreck

01-04-2008, 05:22 AM	#4 (permalink)
mkgarrison5 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NC Posts: 1,516	it could be your O2 sensor if your light came on.. you need to do whats on the list and find out what is causing the light to come on. quit talking and get to work my friend :-) __________________ 02 Tacoma 4-Dr 4x4 V6 117k miles

01-04-2008, 06:09 AM	#5 (permalink)
fatrick24 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Pepperell Ma Posts: 94	change it when you have no other options thats my motto it is a bitch on my 88 i changed it at 220k this summer __________________ 1988 4runner 31 BFGs A/Ts 10 rust holes and 220,000 miles curent project 1997 chevy s10 i4 30 BFGs daily driver

01-04-2008, 06:14 AM	#6 (permalink)
ozziesironmanoffroad Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Spring Valley, CA Posts: 5,676	i think the manual says 'every 60 to 80,000' but i put 245k on my fuel filter before replacing it. __________________ The 22r series engines are made from the fires of hell, and will fight tooth and nail to not be sent back. 1988 Toyota P/U 4x4 22re, 1200 miles on the rebuild engine builder .268 cam pioneer CD deck 31x10.50x15 BFG A/T BAJA 100W lights on prerunner bumper KC Daylighters 100W rancho rs5000 MUD IS A VALID PAINT JOB! If not living life to the fullest, why live it? my trucks official buildup thread

01-04-2008, 06:27 AM	#7 (permalink)
111db Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Mesa AZ Posts: 1,215	Yeah I'd get the CEL checked out before changing anything. My fuel filter has 150k on it. __________________ Jon *97 4Runner 3.4 4.88's * ARB Lockers F/R * ARB compressor * Sonoran Steel numba 1 * 285 BFG AT/KO * TJM 17 * BudBuilt Skids * Stubbs Sliders & BBQ sauce * Irbis out back * Various Electronic Gadgets**

01-04-2008, 03:48 AM	#3 (permalink)
MyNew99 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: South Jersey Posts: 88	I just changed my stock fuel filter and i am pushing 300k miles. But it was much needed. I probably should have changed it sooner!

01-04-2008, 09:34 AM	#8 (permalink)
Adam F Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Cincinnati Ohio Posts: 2,398	Manual says its a lifetime part. But I would go ahead and change it every 100k just to be sure. You never know if you have sediment in your gas tank. I did on my 88, and it severly plugged up my fuel injectors. __________________ 88 4Runner. 350 V8, R150 5-speed. SAS, 36" TSL's, elocker rear

01-04-2008, 09:51 AM	#9 (permalink)
toytech76 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Camino, Ca Posts: 1,161	Toyota never recommends replacing it under NORMAL conditions. If you are hard on your truck, use crap gas, or are running it thru alot of mud and sand it wouldn't be a bad idea

01-04-2008, 10:22 AM	#10 (permalink)
frodin1 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: NOW, Havasu! Posts: 1,066	Toyota does say it's a lifetime part, but I find it funny that most autoparts places carry the part in stock. Napa gold I think was $17bucks. I changed mine at 50k just because there used to be a post on here that had shown the inside of a filter at 50K and it was quite nasty. I think for under $20 it's cheap insurance just to change it, then your fuel pump doesn't have to struggle to push through a bunch of garbage. Goodluck. __________________ Pioneer HU, Audiobahn 10.100watt Sub, Sirius, Cobra NWWXST CB W/ K40, Wolo Air horn, K&N FIPK,Tokico Trekmasters,Tundra TRDs, Revtec spacers w/extended studs,Energy bushings on steering rack /front swaybar,SS front diff. drop kit w/skid plate mod,OME 890 Rears with OEM LC Tokicos,Ebrake ext. bracket, BFG AT/KO's, ProComp 1078 Alloys, Magnaflow SS muffler, Hayden 1678 Tranny Cooler, 85watt Amber fogs, 7 Way R/V plugin.

01-04-2008, 10:24 AM	#11 (permalink)
infiltrator Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Valencia, California Posts: 1,307	if mine was clogged, would that reduce my gas mileage? __________________ Old Rig: '95 4runner \| White \| ISR \| 193,000mi. \| Totalled.

01-04-2008, 10:35 AM	#12 (permalink)
FavreRunner Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 110	xxxxxxxxxx Last edited by FavreRunner; 03-24-2008 at 03:12 PM.

01-04-2008, 10:43 AM	#13 (permalink)
Tylercs Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Chehalis/Ellensburg, WA Posts: 44	Wow you guys have gone a long way without a clogged filter. I have put 50k on my truck (now has 201k) and have had to replace it twice. I must have crap in my tank or something. __________________ 1984 Short bed. About as stock as you can get. 1967 Rambler Rebel

01-04-2008, 10:57 AM	#14 (permalink)
infiltrator Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Valencia, California Posts: 1,307	what kind of gas do you use? i only use shell. __________________ Old Rig: '95 4runner \| White \| ISR \| 193,000mi. \| Totalled.

01-04-2008, 11:44 AM	#15 (permalink)
toytech76 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Camino, Ca Posts: 1,161	I have had 4 toyota 4x4's and never changed my fuel filters. Like I said, it depends on fuel and operating conditions

01-04-2008, 12:03 PM	#16 (permalink)
fatrick24 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Pepperell Ma Posts: 94	yawhen the fuel filter gets cloged you do lose gas milage about 2 mpg my ford gas computor went up for mpg from 13.1 to 15 after i changd itbecause i was pissed and i didnt know what it was droping and my cevy isnow doing the same thing __________________ 1988 4runner 31 BFGs A/Ts 10 rust holes and 220,000 miles curent project 1997 chevy s10 i4 30 BFGs daily driver

01-04-2008, 12:09 PM	#17 (permalink)
Ultraman V Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 63	I just replaced mine at 190K miles, when I was up in the Mtns a few weeks ago I could hear my fuel pump humming/buzzing a bit louder than I like it to, so I figured an easy 1st step was the filter. So far so good. I do have an extra pump at home on the shelf in case I need to go to step 2. When I bought the truck last summer the PO gave me a fuel pump, T-Belt, Water pump, and three U-joints that he kept in the truck....just in case. Oh, and a set of 32" chains. But the truck has 33's on it __________________ Lance N. Vancouver, WA 1996 Taco 3.4 - 3"Revtek, 33's 190,000+

01-04-2008, 02:23 PM	#18 (permalink)
infiltrator Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Valencia, California Posts: 1,307	where would be a good place to get a fuel filter for my truck? would just the yota dealership be fine? ive never done this and have no clue where the fuel filter is located, but with you guys, i think i can do it :] __________________ Old Rig: '95 4runner \| White \| ISR \| 193,000mi. \| Totalled.

01-04-2008, 03:02 PM	#19 (permalink)
Rspct2All Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Santa Clara, California Posts: 55	Great, thanks a lot for the tip/info guys. mkgarrison5, I know I know, lol, I'm getting off work now to get this done. O2 sensor sounds right. Talk to you guys later when I get things done. __________________ Rspct2All (Respect to All) Black 2000 4Runner V6 3.4L AT 2WD SR5 265x70xR16 Yokohama 30% rear windows tint, 50% front side windows tint, and 30% banner tint. Daily commuter.

01-05-2008, 05:24 AM	#20 (permalink)
cgeorge Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 134	It really isn't expensive or hard to change out. I changed mine at 100k. __________________ 1990 Pickup Base 2WD 22R - stock 2000 4Runner SR5 V6 4x4 - Stock Drivetrain for now. SOLD!!!

01-05-2008, 09:08 AM	#21 (permalink)
infiltrator Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Valencia, California Posts: 1,307	where would be a good place to get a fuel filter? yota dealer or napa or online? __________________ Old Rig: '95 4runner \| White \| ISR \| 193,000mi. \| Totalled.

01-05-2008, 09:24 AM	#22 (permalink)
MTL_4runner Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Montreal, QC Canada Posts: 8,807	There's another thread on this already..... Here's my comment on the Toyota "lifetime fuel filter" http://www.yotatech.com/50434763-post16.html __________________ - Jamie 1996 4Runner SR5 4X4 Auto Deckplate Mod, Hayden Tranny Cooler, Amsoil Air Filter, OME 881/906 N86C/N91SC Lift Best OBD II scan tool I have used!. .....and I am AMERICAN!

01-05-2008, 06:42 PM	#24 (permalink)
GhostriderTx Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 88	Well I must have been bored because I did mine at 30 and 60K..

01-05-2008, 08:04 PM	#25 (permalink)
youngbuck Contributing Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 196	Yea, it's such a cheap and inexpensive part, and easy to replace, I would replace it just as part of your preventative maintainence routine. Personally, I think every 60k would be a safe bet. It just seems odd that Toyota says it's a lifetime part. There are other vehicles where the manufacturer recommends fuel filter replacement at 30k. So, how is the Toyota fuel system that much different? Not saying that never changing it would be BAD, but I think it would be good to change it at some interval.

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