Fuel Filter Question.

[schoeney]

Hi Guys + Girls,

Newbie here. I have a 2000 3.4 that I bought new and now have 158k on it.
I had the "lifetime" in the tank filter replaced at 135k. The dealer charged me $521 to replace it. I think I got hosed based on what I have read here. In reviewing previous posts it sounds like it is a $40 item plus an hour labor...does that sound correct?

 

[Pure 98]

Sorry to say yes is super easy and cheap, I just did mine.
4Runners.org - Replacing the Fuel Filter on a 98 4Runner V6

 

[bgmac]

Just be careful with the front fitting. Mine is seized on. Still working on getting it loose.

 

[quicksilvr]

Sorry to say yes is super easy and cheap, I just did mine.
4Runners.org - Replacing the Fuel Filter on a 98 4Runner V6

Just be careful with the front fitting. Mine is seized on. Still working on getting it loose.

You guys are confusing the in-tank filter with the inline external filter.

The in-tank filter is supposedly a lifetime filter, but it can't hurt to change it. The external filter is super easy to change, and is much cheaper. The in-tank filter should have run around $400 at the dealer. So you got hosed a little...but not a ton.

 

[Qyota]

Just be careful with the front fitting. Mine is seized on. Still working on getting it loose.

I just ran into this yesterday. Thought I'd knock out a little maintenance project, and ran quickly into a non-moving front flare nut. Did you ever get yours off?

 

[brian2sun]

I have to ask, why did you drop $521 to change the in-tank filter with only 158K? That's a lot of money to replace something that probably had 5-10 more years of life left in it. It's not common to have problems with them even at 258K.

 

[broncosi]

I just ran into this yesterday. Thought I'd knock out a little maintenance project, and ran quickly into a non-moving front flare nut. Did you ever get yours off?

I followed this write up HERE and really doused it with PB Blaster a few times and let it soak in. They came off with some time and muscle.

 

[Qyota]

Yeah, I hit them with PB again tonight. That's 3 times in the past 2 weeks. Also soaked the steering rack bolts in preparation for that battle.

I realize these are old, corroded threads, and I just really don't want to break anything! I'm guessing the fuel lines are expen$ive!

 

[bgmac]

I just ran into this yesterday. Thought I'd knock out a little maintenance project, and ran quickly into a non-moving front flare nut. Did you ever get yours off?

Hell no....ended up rounding off the nut and I was even using a line wrench.
It goes into my friends shop in 2 weeks for inspection and I gave him the good news that it was now his problem!!

 

[durrell]

This is one thing I need to do, along with finishing the steering bushings.

Guess I need to go ahead and start hitting the fittings with some PB Blaster.

 

[Ron Helmuth]

the under the drivers seat fuel filter....

Guys I just recently tried to do my own OEM fuel filter and ended up splicing in rubber fuel line until I could have an expert do it for me.

Does anyone see a reason a normal in line clear plastic fuel filter could not simply replace the Toyota OEM filter for simplicity sake in later maintenance?

Some simple hose clamps at each end would sure be a lot easier to deal with than those pesky flared nut compression fittings wouldn't it?

There must be a reason Yota makes it so complicated... but for the life of me I can't see why....

edit : by the way I do have an extra fuel filter bracket just laying around if anyone would have a need for it...they are included with new OEM part, but I could not bear to just throw it away...