Another fuel filter sucess story (PITA though)

[JEL]

I finally got around to replacing my original 160k+ mile old fuel filter, what a difference that made. I was having long cranking when hot starting, I could feel the idle a bit at stop lights (not so anymore, now it's butter smooth), and now having done the filter, and I didn't realize how much power loss I had suffered over the years. It literally felt as though I gained 15hp back, no MPG update as of yet, but the power difference was well worth the PITA of getting that line to finally stop leaking. I used a new Toyota filter (the "lifetime" one), and even then it seemed to keep leaking at the back fitting, I finally had to get a breaker on there to snug it down further to stop the leak. Still, I guess this is more of PSA to those on the fence, if you have over 60-70k on the original I'd do it ASAP.

Now I was cruising up the highway pushing my gas pedal about the same as I always do to maintain 65-70 and I noticed I was doing nearly 80mph with the same pedal push effort. I suspect I had a bad batch of fuel when I filled up in BFE recently when stuck in a blizzard coming over a mountain pass, but needless to say the difference in just changing the filter was dramatic. Unfortunately the old one gone now, and I wasn't able to cut it open with the tools I had, but the gas that came out of it was rather dark/muddy and I certainly can't imagine what Toyota was thinking stating this never needs to be replaced. I changed the plugs and wires with new OEM ones a year/15k miles ago, and changing the filter had an even more pronounced seat-of-the-pants effect than that did.

 

[Neil_R]

I just got a line wrench in the mail so I could change mine out. I bought a WIX filter since it was highly recommended by some people on here, but it doesnt come with a bracket so I'm hoping it doesnt break when I take it off.

The filter appears to be the original of 267k miles so it should make a big improvement hahaha.

 

[Robb235]

I just got a line wrench in the mail so I could change mine out. I bought a WIX filter since it was highly recommended by some people on here, but it doesnt come with a bracket so I'm hoping it doesnt break when I take it off.

The filter appears to be the original of 267k miles so it should make a big improvement hahaha.

Please post an update when you change yours out. I've got similar mileage as you, and to my knowledge, the fuel filter has never been replaced.

 

[Neil_R]

Will do. It'll be on my build thread first.

 

[Brique]

It's a bsdtch the first time you do it. After that it's pretty straightforward. Mine was a total pita, helped a friend a few weeks later with his, and it was easy peasy.

 

[D Farms]

I've got 230k on mine, I doubt the filter has been changed, I'm doing this next week.

 

[JEL]

I just got a line wrench in the mail so I could change mine out. I bought a WIX filter since it was highly recommended by some people on here, but it doesnt come with a bracket so I'm hoping it doesnt break when I take it off.

The filter appears to be the original of 267k miles so it should make a big improvement hahaha.

I'm sure it will be a big improvement, mine was with 100k less miles. I almost went with Wix as well, but I figured the OE one would fit 100% with no question marks, and it was still working relatively well at over 160k so I went with that. Still, Wix was the only other brand I was considering and would use without hesitation.

 

[JEL]

Update bump for anyone interested.

It's still driving and running great, I've put 3 tank fulls through it (I drive 80 miles a day, or more) since my filter change and I can report an average MPG (most with the AC on) of 19.7mpg. Just for grins I did check my average MPG (again mostly with AC on) before the filter change for 3 tank fulls and it clocked in at 18.5mpg. SO it appears, all else being equal in this rather small sample size, I've picked up about 1 functional MPG. I guess it may seem like a bit of useless info, but it does appear in this instance the filter also did increase my real-world MPG slightly.

 

[kwhoadley]

Tried changing mine today, couldnt get the bolts to come loose.
Bought some PB Blast, letting sit overnight. Ill prob pick up a 19mm?
wrench when I pick up my plugs in the morning. I couldnt get a good grip
on the filter. Hopefully Ill have it done before lunch tomorrow.
Mine has 197,xxx, miles, doesnt look like it has ever been done.
Looking forward to having a bit more power. :banana:

 

[mcdonor]

Fuel Filter

I did mine recently as I purchased the Runner last fall and there are about 160,000 miles on it. Have no idea if the filter was ever changed so I did it and just as stated above, a noticible increase in power and gas mileage. Had a bit of a problem with the leaking rear connection, but after a couple of tries, got it to stop. OEM wires and plugs made a huge difference too, well worth the work! Next up, the timing belt!

 

[BasinRunner]

You just reminded me that I have a new filter in my garage I forgot to put in hahaha, looks like I'll be doing that, axle seals and diff breather extension this weekend...

 

[gkinng]

When I replaced my filter with OE, it kept leaking. Had to put plumbing tape around the threads.

 

[Nelsonmd]

Oh man I really need to do this... I have had an OEN filter with bracket sitting in my garage for about 3 years. I haven't wanted to get into it because I know it is going to be a giant PITA because of all my rust.

Anyone got any brilliant ideas for getting the compression fittings off without destroying them to the point that I have to buy new fuel lines? And don't say PB blaster for a week, after 3,000 posts, I have heard that one before.

Just to give you an idea of how bad my rust is, PB blaster has almost never done the trick, no matter how much of it I used. The only thing that has worked without breaking the studs has been to torch it, spray it with PB blaster while hot and let it flame up (not sure if this actually does anything more, but it is satisfying), then torching it again and then taking it off. Obviously since this is the fuel line, I would be stupid to put a flame to it. I doubt a heat gun would get it hot enough to make a difference.

 

[JEL]

I didn't have any rust since we don't salt here, in the past though I've used heat in the form of a torch, but I know that's not an option with fuel lines. I've used CRC Freeze-off on the past on my old Mercedes fuel tank when I has to get a rusted bolt off to get at the internal strainer, something like that may work.

 

[Brique]

Well, you probably know a heck of a lot more about it than i do, [MENTION=56021]Nelsonmd[/MENTION] but I'll just say that i had some rust on mine and used a file to take the nut down to metal where the wrench would sit on it. You could also try using a locking wrench to make sure you're gripping the heel out of it, so you don't strip it. And of course use flare nut wrench instead of a regular crescent wrench for better grip. Sorry if that was all "no duh", but i figured I'd mention anyway.

 

[poleclimber63]

I replaced my filter last week, at the same time I replaced the engine! The first owner had the truck undercoated, and the only problem I had was getting the filter free from the bracket as it was "glued" on with undercoating! Aside from that, I just used a cresent wrench and a regular wrench and some elbow grease. Not a big problem, really. Rust out East, must be a major PITA! I feel for you guys!

 

[concordcarlos]

Need to do mine soon. I have a feeling that old sucker is robbing me of some HP.

 

[amalik]

Is it just me or is every other fuel filter thread on here about situations where people can't seem to get the nuts on it?

 

[TheDurk]

Is it just me or is every other fuel filter thread on here about situations where people can't seem to get the nuts on it?

45%--It's on and won't stop leaking!
30%--I can't get the nuts off!
25%--I got a 20% horsepower boost!

How much else is there to say about a fuel filter change?

 

[Neil_R]

Replaced mine today, finally.

It wasnt difficult at all, let some PB Blaster soak on it for about a week and all the hardware just came right apart. Went back together perfectly, no leaks. Used a WIX 33319 btw.

I'll post here and on my build thread if I notice any difference in performance once I've driven it a bit.

-NR