I live in Florida and after our horrible hurricane season I think I pumped some funky gas that had a little water in it. I would like to change my fuel filter but am not quiet sure how. I located it under the driver side of my 04 Tacoma V6 but I can't figure out how to get it off without having all of my gas drain out. Is there a way to do this? Thanks in advance.

 

Welcome to the board! I did a mini write-up a few months back when I did mine. The link is below.

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f16/change-your-fuel-filter-now-35036/

BTW, be ready to have a lighter wallet once you visit this site . One more thing, of your rig?

 

Does all the gas in the tank drain out?

 

Uhhhhh, no. Once the pressure in the tank is stabilized only a minimal amount of gas should come out... definitely not the whole tank.

 

having a little bit of water in the fuel isnt somethign the fuel filter will get clogged on..... water will pas through the fuel filter just as easily as fuel

 

Does replacing this yield better gas mileage?

 

It can help. Driving habits are the main determinant though. Also any mods that add weight and/or wind resistance cause mileage to drop.

 

If your truck is an 04 you probably are not going to notice any difference with a new filter, since your current one won't be clogged with gunk yet. Save your money, run another tank of good gas through, go drive...

 

Yeah I thought about changing mine, but I knew it would be nearly impossible to do myself. So I just ran by Speedy Oil Change, and the sign said $49.95 to replace the fuel filter. So I asked them to replace it, sat down for a few minutes, then the guy said my filter was in the gas tank or something, and it would cost $300 to replace it. Now I'm really not sure what to do.

 

i believe that's BS, someone correct me if i'm wrong fuel filter is easly accessable from underneath the truck. most cars have it under the hood and trucks usually have them underside of the body, usually towards the rear side. I remember seeing it when I was greasing my chassis. It is seldom that you'd have to replace it, most of the time, it will outlast the life of your truck.

 

Dude, it's a buncha crap, they were just trying to make some $$$ off a someone. I'm assuming you have a V6 5VZ-FE and if so, it's under the driver side seat on the inner frame rail. Just check the writeup I did a few posts up or you can check the tech section I think bob_98sr5 did a complete writeup some time ago. Do it yourself and save $300. Peace!

 

Go back in and tell them:

A. They don't know what they are talking about.

B. You don't appreciate them trying to scam you.

The fuel filter on the 3.4 is easy to get to, especially for the lube places with a pit. If they are trying to scam you, someone (you are elected by default) needs to let them know you are on to their little scheme. Look 'em in the eye and tell them, you want it done right, for $49.95 and you're not making their boat payment this month.

Sometimes you have to stand up for yourself on the playground son. I can even give you a picture of the filter on my 3.4 tomorrow. Call their bluff with the facts in your pocket.

 

That's why I cant stand those quick lube places. I've been to one and I flat told them I am a mechanic and if they screw ANYTHING up then their a$$es where mine along with the proof of my co-workers in which 3 happen to be master technicians. That will make them not scam you.

 

Well I'm a lucky owner of a 4 cyl. so that could be the reason.