I just finished replacing the fuel filter on my 2002 4Runner. The throttle response noticeably improved with the new filter. When I took the old filter off the truck, the gas that came out of it was sort of dark, so I decided the cut the old "Lifetime" filter (as Toyota calls it) open to see what the filter media looked like.

The old filter had 100,000km (62000 miles) on it, and let's just say there was nothing "lifetime" looking about the filter media. 95% of the media was black, and I got black semi-greasy stuff all over my hands when I took the old filter apart and un-rolled the media to take pictures. I attached a couple of pictures below for those of you that might believe Toyota when they tell you that there is no need to change your fuel filter.

 

hey GS,

gross!

would you mind if i used your pics in my writeup and referenced this thread?

thanks,
bob

 

oh man your garage must stink pretty bad right now

 

Nope. Not at all. Help yourself, Bob.


It's not too bad. I left the garage door open a bit when I was changing the filter out. Only about 1/2 quart of fuel came out of the lines & filter when I removed the old filter.

 

It's supposed to be a lifetime filter? I didn't know that. I just changed mine out when I got my truck, along with the plugs, air filter and an oil change. Mine had 82,000 miles on it and it smelled pretty funky when I drained out the filter.

 

I rarely find anything that's "lifetime".

 

Hey, I'm lifetime.

Anyway, I just changed mine tonight (101K miles) and the gas that came out of it was darker than normal too. Haven't driven it yet but started it to get the fuel primed. Wow, it started easier and the engine sounded much better than before.

Oh yeah, word of advice if doing this, don't get gas in your eye! Burns like fire.

 

is this a aftermarket Filter, or just a new Toyota one?

 

Thanks, GS. i just updated the writeup

 

New Toyota filter. Cost is approx $40 canadian up here. I'm going to change it out at least every 100,000km (probably sooner after seeing the inside of it, though)

 

While I'm under the truck trying to figure out my front differential leak, maybe I'll do something productive and change the fuel filter since it still appears stock @ 113k mi.

 

Yeah like BMW's "lifetime" auto tranny fluid. Lifetime to them is shorter than my idea of lifetime.

The filter may be fine for life IF you never get any dirty gas.

 

Here's one I cut in two about two years back. Truck had about 110K miles on it at the time. Was quite dirty:

 

Yup.

I'm definately stopping by Auto Zone on the way home.

 

I think I'll be changing mine real soon since I'm at 112k and I'm sure mine is original.

 

Dang, I need to change mine soon as well.

 

I am not surprised in the least.....it is definately not a lifetime part despite what anyone says.....same thing with spark plugs. Iriduim plugs are often touted by dealers as lifetime plugs but common sense would say otherwise.

 

yeah i just did mine, had to of been original with 131k. i used a bosch oem one. did plugs, pcv, some new vacuum lines that were dryrotted and the front o2. now i cant wait to see if my mileage goes back up to around 20mpg where it used to be. i know a lot has to do with the remote start for 20 minutes every morning and winter gas, but who wants to get in a cold car.

 

Where do you buy your gas? Not all stations are going to have gas that will crap up your filter like that in 62,000 miles.

 

[repost from another board, heh]

I just changed mine last night.

Talk about an improvement in power delivery!

Oh, and the sludge that came out the back end was just incredible. 113k mi and a lot of bad tanks of gas took it's toll on this "lifetime" still-stock filter. I'll definately put this one on my list to change more frequently considering it's ease (easy location).