I am thinking about replacing my fuel filter sometime within the next week or two. I've put on about 20k miles on it myself, and I would probably bet that the last time it was changed was at 60k and i'm about to hit 112k pretty soon.

Has anyone had any experiences with aftermarket fuel filters or would you recommend a genuine toyota brand? I'm mainly concerned with fuel economy, so if anyone has any info that would be helpful I'd like to hear it.

I've read the tech write-up, but if anyone want's to chime in with some good pointers feel free...

Thanks again,
Keith

 

You can't go wrong w/ a genuine Toy filter.

 

I second that. I replaced mine with a OEM filter with no problems.

 

OEM all the way...

Fink

 

Hi,
Anyone know what size (mm) flare nut wrench you'll need? Did this a while ago but I forgot.
BTW...it's for a '96 3.4L 3rd Gen 4Runner. Thanks.

 

Original fuel filter from Toyota Dealer. Same size, same equipment and no modification required. Go for the Toy filter.

Noel

 

OEM is da way!!!

 

Don't bank on that ever being changed before.

IIRC, those are suposedly a "lifetime" item.

 

You may want to consider having the dealer do it, I think they charge a half hour of labor, and you may be able to use a coupon or something to save $$.

I did it, and only lost about a half-gallon of gas, but had it running down my arm the whole time.

It is definetly a pain in the a$$. On my 85 Supra it was mounted under the intake manifold, another PIA.

I think I'm noticing a trend here....

Like Cebby said, it's supposed to be a lifetime part, my local dealer recommended that I not change it, and thought I was crazy for even considering it.

EDIT: Use a factory filter, because it comes with the entire bracket. The aftermarket one I saw didn't come with the bracket, which means you'll have to figure oout how to swap it while there's fuel dripping from the lines.

 

My dealer did say the same thing about it supposedly being a "lifetime" part...but they suggested it anyway just to eliminated that part from the list possible problems, I love my stealership..really great guys there!

Fink

 

Well, I have the filter, was going to do this today. Wish I read your post last week. Mine's under the intake & there is no way I can see to do this. I'll let the dealer handle it.

 

The fuel filter on a 22re is a pain, but it can be lessened:

1. jack up the truck high on the passenger front and put it on a jackstand,
2. remove the passenger side tire
3. remove the access plate on the inner fender
4. take off the gas cap
5. remove the front fuel line. I think it takes a 17mm socket DO NOT REMOVE REAR LINE
6. remove the mounting bolts, upper and lower. 12mm I think (maybe 14mm)
7. pull the fuel filter out between the fender and frame and remove the rear fuel line. Trust me, this saves a ton of grief of trying to reach in and remove the rear fuel line.
8. remove the filter while trying to hold it somewhat level. It will have gas in it and will spill all over
9. remove plug(s) from new filter
10. install rear fuel line on the filter making sure to use the new copper gaskets
11. mount fuel filter on block
12. install front fuel line on the filter making sure to use the new copper gaskets. When installing the fuel lines make sure in both instances to ensure the gaskets are still in place when you put the banjo fitting on the filter.
13. make sure fuel line bolts are snug. Use an opened end wrench to hold the filter ends when tightening so as not to rip the filter
14. fire up the truck and check for leaks. It will take a bit of extra cranking to get it started since the fuel system has a pocket of air in it.
15. button everything back up, put on the tire, drop it on the ground and pat yourself on the back. You just beat the crap out of your knuckles, upset the neighbors, emabarrassed your wife, taught your kids and all the kids in the neighborhood all sorts of new vocabulary words to use on the playground and you saved yourself a trip to the mechanic and $35-40