I am trying to change the fuel filter in my `98 4Runner, but am not sure how to relieve the pressure from the fuel system so that I can remove the old filter. Does anyone have any hints / tips???:dunno:

Thanks very much for any help!:bowdown:

This may be stupid but can you just take the gas cap off?

I know when I fill up and take the cap off I hear air rushing so I am assuming it is depressurizing in some way.

I think I remember changing mine without doing anything and nothing spectacular happened. I got a little gas on me and that was it. I was ready with the new one so I just did a quick switch.

Maybe I just need to get "pumped up" , but I was tugging on that wrench something fierce. I figured that a pressurized fuel line was the only explanation. Well... back under the truck I go to :monkey: around some more...

Well, on a fuel injected system, removing the gas cap may not relieve the pressure.

Look under the hood on the fuel rail and you will find a schrader valve. Put a rag over the opening and push the valve nipple to release the pressure. You'll hear a small pssshht and a little gas may come out. Often if the car sits long enough, the pressure will bleed off on its own.

It sounds suspicious not being able to remove the fuel line nuts though, you may want to double check that you're turning the right stuff!. You should have a fuel resistant catch pan handy as gravity will let whatever is in the lines (and tank) flow out.

Note: The schrader valve advice above is generic and may not directly apply to your car. Mine is still too new to need a filter change, so I don't have 4Runner specific advice.

This may be a two wrench deal....one to turn the nut off and one to hold the fuel filter so that it doesn't twist with it. (I think I remember a stationary nut on the fuel filter)

OK, couldn't find any schrader valve on the fuel rails to relieve pressure. Also, the nuts still won't give. I made sure that I wasn't be silling and turning something I shouldn't be and that I am turning the right direction (some of the threads are showing). I am using I wrench on the nut integral to the filter and another wrench on the fitting. There has to be a trick to this, but for now I am nothing but frustrated.

I have changed fuel filters on other vehicles before without nearly the drama. What's with my 4Runner???

Any help very appreciated.

I did it!!

Anyone who may have to do this on their 3rd gen 4Runner - here is the trick:

1. You take the panel off under the steering wheel and remove the fuel pump relay.

2. You take off the gas cap to remove any vac. in the tank.

3. You run the truck until it stalls. Theoretically the lines are now de-pressurized.

4. Disconnect the negative lead to the battery.

5. I still had to loosen the fittings on the fuel rails to remove all pressure in the system.

6. NOW the fittings on the fuel filter should come loose. Have a pan ready - you will spill gas.

7. While under the truck and surrounded by gas fumes - see how many cigarettes you can smoke before you blow up

8. Connect your new fuel filter and replace / tighten everything you screwed with getting to this point.

9. Crank up your truck and check for any leaks.

Hope this helps somebody. Oh, my fittings were a little corroded - so I put some anti-seize on them when I put it all back together.

Now to see how much of a difference this makes...

I just replaced my Fuel filter and I was a little intimidated at first thinking that I was going to get fuel spraying all over me and that I was going to make a huge mess.
Well.. Its way easier than I thought! I wasn't able to find the fuse for the fuel pump so I decided to wing it.. I had a funnel with a pipe running to my fuel can on the floor.
then I cracked open one side and it started leaking out. It wasnt a spray all over the place like I had thought but just a good trickle and I let it drip into the funnel until it stopped. Then I cracked open the other side and it dripped out that side but not much. then once I moved the tubes around it dripped a little more then I pulled the whole thing off and quickly replaced the Filter out. It never really poured out.
I did take the gas cap off just incase in had pressure in it.

Overall it was not hard to do at all.
Simple unbolt and let it leak a bit. Then replace.

Took about 10 seconds to start but then ran smoothly!
Stoked..