Hopw bad is it to change a fuel filter? i was going to have a dealer do it but they warned me not to cause once i get the filter off i may not be able to get it back on without replaceing the whole assemble. they stated it gets rusted bad enough where it wont fit back. any input on anybody whos changed their fuel filter on a 3rd gen 4runner?

 

funny you ask, i have a 96 4runner. no more than 10 minutes ago i took the fuel filter off, dumped it and shaked it dry(my version of cleaning it) and put it back on. NO problems. some fuel came out but it stops.

 

lol so it was just that easy. sounds good to me

 

yuo think its unclogged jsut because you shook it dry? LOL!!!

 

Scotty:
A replacement filter doesn't cost that much. You may just want to get a new filter. I'd say it's analagous to taking out the oil filter, shaking it a few times, and putting it back in

Lone:
You have a 3rd gen? I don't know how bad things get in the rustbelt (if you're anywhere around there) but I was able to change it on my 1st gen (i.e. 1986) with little problems just a few months ago.

Of course, as with all things, your experience may vary.

 

Yes, the fuel lines, the filter, and the fittings that go into the fuel filter are steel, thus rust. In Massachusetts you will likely need to wire brush the fittings if you want a good seal again, so you'll need a comfortable spot with good lighting, i.e. a garage.

Take a picture of the fittings, they are plainly visible behind the frame rail under the driver seat.

 

so as far as your concered this will not be an easy thing for me to do then ? cause i have no garage nor a comfotable spot lol. part is cheap just didnt know if me doing it was better or just allowing a staelership to take it

 

“Not easy” is very relative, but yes, it’s going to be more difficult than changing the engine air filter. Not much skill is required to brush off the rust, but you would need to get under there and see what you are doing quiet well.