I am replacing my fuel filter for the first time in 6 years (yes, long overdue I know...) and I've done a lot of DIY maintenence on this truck and my other cars.

BUT, I cannot for the LIFE of me locate the fuel filter? I've scoured the manual and the Chilton's I've had for the past few years - NOTHING on location!

I feel dumber than a post...considering the other work I've done on this truck. But I had to put the pride on the shelf and just ask on the public forum - please take it easy on me

thanks!

no one knows?

i can't believe that....

please!!

It's on the passenger side of the engine block under the intake plenum. It's real fun to get at.

Thanks so much for the reply!

That's what I feared...that because I couldn't find it, it must be somewhere hard to get to....sigh

thanks

No problem. There's a small panel in the pass. side front wheel well that unbolts for a little easier access. Make sure to loosen the line fittings before unbolting the filter if possible.

it's actually not that bad to get at. Dad and i worked on it, and went through a quarter bag of spitz so it wasn't that long. like 04 sc V8 said, there's a small panel you can unbolt in passenger wheel well which gives access to it. remove the wheel and put it on a jackstand, it makes it MUCH easier. cone wrenches help a lot. good luck!!!

Wow, thanks for the feedback guys - I finally found the ***DAMN thing and was able to swap it out.

I pulled one of the fusible links in the engine bay while the engine was running to kill the motor and get most of the fuel out of the system. then I put the fusible link back.

For these wondering:
On the passenger wheel well, there is a small metal flap that has 4 12mm (?) bolts that hold it in place. Once you remove this, you are staring right at the oil filter (nice to know for next time!). To the left of the oil filter, about 10-12 inches, is the starter (I think), bolted to the engine block. BEHIND the starter (between the block and the starter) is the fulet pump, also bolted to the block.

Getting the IN/OUT lines off was no issue - 17mm (?) bolts on each end of the filter (with some rags for the spilled gas) did the trick. Then there were 2 bolts (13mm (?)) holding the filter to the block. Once the lines were disconnected, and the 2 block bolts removed, it just slides right out.

Putting it back is another story. the FSM states that you coat everthing with a dollup of engine oil and replace the gaskets on the filter (mine didn't have any in the new box, so I used the old ones - they looked in good enough shape.). You're supposed to hand tighten the hoses/bolts, then bolt the filter to the block.. After that, use a torque wrench to tighten both hose bolts to 22 lb/ft. How in the HELL one gets a torque wrench in there is beyond me. I tried for about 20 minutes before giving up and using my small socket wrench - I guessed on the torque.

After that, put it all back together, start it up and watch it for leaks for a few minutes.

I removed the passeger wheel to get better access.

This is WAY harder than the Datsun one I did a couple weeks back - that one was just in the engine bay, next to the intake manifold....

i know this is old thread but thanks for the info!

When you put it back, don't even bother trying to get it back in the stock location. The stock hoses are long enough that they'll reach to the fender... put it there. Easier to change, and cooler fuel is denser fuel.

Kid do you have a link showing this done? I am wanting to do mine and I found one before but cant find it now.

I don't have a particular link. I knew folks talked about relocating it, so when I changed mine, I did too.





I used an existing bolt on the fender, and right now that's all that's holding it in place. That'll crack the bracket on the fuel filter sooner or later through fatigue stress, so when I get around to it I'm going to build a little bracket that will bolt to the fender and the fuel filter will bolt to the bracket.

The line nearest the camera goes up to the fuel rail.

Youre so crafty!

Ah, thats a good idea. I didnt even think of doing that. I just changed my fuel filter about 2 months ago too haha. With my luck though, I'd end up breaking my entire fuel line and have to redo the entire thing :P I know exactly which existing bolt youre talking about too! Though, in your picture, the fuel filter would be in the way of my arms/tools when I go to change the oil filter. Theres juuuuuust enough room for me to force my left arm through the hole there to wrap my hand around the oil filter to get it off. Maybe I'll ill try and mount it under the charcoal canister or something and replace my old fuel lines with new ones while im at it... hmmmm. I like the sound of this little project

I also did the filter relocation. I know a guy that has had his like that for about five years. He hasn't had a problem and neither have I in the last year. Eventually, I think it would be nice to have one along the frame rail, like on the 3.0s.

Thanks a bunch for the info guys. know this thread is old but a huge help! Putting a rebuilt 22re back in my 89 runner and couldn't remember where the filter went. Good idea to mount it somewhere else. I'll have to try that later maybe. In a rush to get my rig on the road; sharing a truck with my wife is no beuno.