fuel filters

[cooker]

Going to buy a neglected '96 Limited T4R today. Ist thing is full maintenance so I need some help on fuel filters. O'reilly has one for $20 and one for $27. Any experience here?

Thanks

P.S. will post pics (as soon as I figure out how) of this dirty 1-owner once I seal the deal...

 

[sportscarfan]

I'd think any new fuel filter is going to be better than not replacing it at all.

For experience, use flare nut wrenches on the threaded fittings and when you install the new one, be sure to start the threads by hand - which can be a PITA.

It's very easy to ruin the fittings/threads doing this "simple" job.

 

[plcfcng]

Factory filters make it easier you don't have to mess around with the sealing disks that come with the aftermarket. I got a Bosh Filter and did not use the disk ended up pulling the lines apart and then got them in. It is just no fun with gas dripping all over the place. I used some vacuum caps to plug the lines while getting the filter in place. If you use a aftermarket filter I put a little axle grease on the sealing disk to hold them in place while connecting the lines.:nerd:

 

[mtbtim]

Get an OEM filter and call it a day. It will be the first and probably last time you'll ever have to replace it.

 

[TonyB66]

And if you are into cleansing agents, like Seafoam, I'd use such before, so the old filter deals with any crud, not the brand new one...

With the same rationale, I recently replaced the AFR and O2 sensors, but before doing so, I did a couple Seafoam treatments via vacuum first.

Back to the fuel filter, I'd do it with the tank low on gas and have some eye protection.

Tim's video: <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vdDhXZIs6Lo" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[ToyotaBrah]

Yep, I agree with Tim. Go with an OEM filter. Hassle-free install.

Also, don't be a doofus like me and forget to release gas pressure from the fuel cap. By not doing so, fuel will continue to spill out. Realized that after 3 minutes of scratching my head of why the fuel wouldn't stop.:nerd:

 

[JohnMc]

I just did this on mine a couple of weekends ago. Replaced it with an OEM filter.

Since the current filter was 20 years old, and I live in the salt belt, I spritzed it with PBLaster about a week ahead of time, and then again a couple of days ahead of time. To give it plenty of time to soak into the gunked up threads.

And... with a slight struggle, both lines came off. As mentioned - def use s flare wrench or you're likely to round it off and then have a much larger mess to deal with.

 

[Wedgy]

Lots of options but if shopping local, NAPA filters are made by WIX(good filters), and you can usually get dealer/OEM items cheaper online but you have to plan ahead. My local deal will sometimes match the online Toyota prices.
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/toyota,1996,4runner,3.4l+v6,1272552,fuel+&+air,fuel+filter,6200