When do you guys change your fuel filter?? I’ve been changing mine every 30K, that too early???

 

im at 170k + hasn't ever been changed that i know of i might buy the wrenches and change it sometime

 

I have changed mine twice, I have 209500 on the clicker. I would say that you could go about 40-50K miles or more or less if you want. They don't cost that much and it is cheap insurance too.

 

I replaced mine at 85K. I believe it was the original. It definitely needed it replaced and the engine thanked me with a smoother idle and 3 more miles per gallon. It was full of brown fuel so this is something I would recommend doing every 40K.

 

Do you need special wrenches for this??? If so, what are they??

 

i think there called flare nut wrench

 

I did it at 100K (first-time) and didn't need no stinkin' flare wrench. Supposedly they are good for life according to Toyota. 30K has got to be overkill.

 

I'm not an expert in filter technology but I did take 2 semesters of Fluid Power in college so I do have working knowledge. The "life" rating that Toyota has given its fuel filter is based on the ability to maintain its rated efficiency over the volume flow it should expect to see in x amount of time.

This is probably fine to assume and in my case it did such a good job that I was able to pour out fuel from the filter that was as brown as my interior panels.

But I believe that holding so much contaminant in the canister over time simply introduces smaller particles than the filter is rated to "screen". The efficiency remains the same but you've dirtied your fuel. I suggest replacing it every 40-50K.

And if my assumptions are correct, in theory you could remove the filter, backflush it to clear it of debris, and re-install it. After all, its a "lifetime" filter. But who would do that!

 

x2. They are basically a box-end wrench with one side cut out to get it through the metal pressurized fuel line.
I believe it is a 14. They usually come with 2 different sizes. I have a 13/14 and it has fit everything I have worked on so far. They are great for doing brake lines into the master cylinder.

 

A set of flare nut wrenches is a handy thing to have around. But not ABSOLUTELY necessary if your on a tight budget. They are designed to grip the nut better than a regular open wrench, since some lines use softer fittings. It reduces the chance of stripping the nut.

I changed mine at 125k and it looked "OK". I think every 100k would be adequate, unless you are having problems.