If you haven't changed your fuel filter do it now!

[SURF RUNNER]

So I bought this 2001 4WD Limited 4Runner back in October 2015. This was a very well-maintained two owner vehicle with 133.000 miles. It looks like it was kept in a garage most of the time. To get a base line I just changed the oil and fuel filter earlier today. The guys at this garage don't get excited by much, but they let me know that the original fuel filter was completely clogged and showed it to me. I'm glad I got it changed... Better late than never. You may have heard that the fuel filter was a lifetime part, but if mine was clogged with relatively low mileage, yours may be as well.

Part# 23300-62030

 

[Doggs62]

How many miles are you getting currently?

 

[theBEAR]

So I bought this 2001 4WD Limited 4Runner back in October 2015. This was a very well-maintained two owner vehicle with 133.000 miles. It looks like it was kept in a garage most of the time. To get a base line I just changed the oil and fuel filter earlier today. The guys at this garage don't get excited by much, but they let me know that the original fuel filter was completely clogged and showed it to me. I'm glad I got it changed... Better late than never. You may have heard that the fuel filter was a lifetime part, but if mine was clogged with relatively low mileage, yours may be as well.

I bought my 2001 at 130K in November 2014. I just added this to my spring maintenance list so thanks for the heads up!

 

[IBallEngineer]

So I bought this 2001 4WD Limited 4Runner back in October 2015. This was a very well-maintained two owner vehicle with 133.000 miles. It looks like it was kept in a garage most of the time. To get a base line I just changed the oil and fuel filter earlier today. The guys at this garage don't get excited by much, but they let me know that the original fuel filter was completely clogged and showed it to me. I'm glad I got it changed... Better late than never. You may have heard that the fuel filter was a lifetime part, but if mine was clogged with relatively low mileage, yours may be as well.

Forgive my skepticism, completely clogged means nothing passes through and the engine won't run. Could it be that it was partially clogged?

 

[SURF RUNNER]

Forgive my skepticism, completely clogged means nothing passes through and the engine won't run. Could it be that it was partially clogged?

[MENTION=102597]IBallEngineer[/MENTION]

I understand your point. Mechanics don't worry too much about getting scrutinized on automotive internet forums, so being precise with their language is not their number one concern. Obviously it was mostly or partially clogged, but I think that most of us knew that. The main point of the post was that despite what TOYOTA states these fuel filters may need changing - even in 4Runners with less than typical mileage.

How many miles are you getting currently?

[MENTION=137823]Doggs62[/MENTION]

I haven't kept up with my mpg.

 

[thor999]

People DO replace your filter but also do your research here, it looks like a simple enough project but can turn into a nightmare in minutes. PBblaster or Kroil those nuts every day for a week at least, then use line wrenches to remove.

 

[Justin727]

it's the easiest thing to maintain on this truck especially when lifted. I've replaced mine on all 3 of my 3rd gens at some point or another.

 

[atalarico]

Just added it to the list. Look simple enough on 4runner.org write-up, but I'm sure it could go south pretty easily too.

Dumb question, but you don't have to be near E to do this right? It's only going to spill the fuel that's already in the lines, right?

 

[HawkNation]

Just did this over the weekend. Had about 1/2 tank. The only thing lose drip is in the lines and whatever is in the filter. I had an old gallon ice cream bucket to catch any gas, filled it maybe 1/4" after dumping the fuel from the filter in it. I used rust penetrant for a day or two prior, my 4Runner came from WI, so it has some underbody rust. Just be careful and use the right sized wrenches (I didn't use line wrenches, but it is a good idea) and don't strip the fuel lines.

 

[Rock_Rat]

So I bought this 2001 4WD Limited 4Runner back in October 2015. This was a very well-maintained two owner vehicle with 133.000 miles. It looks like it was kept in a garage most of the time. To get a base line I just changed the oil and fuel filter earlier today. The guys at this garage don't get excited by much, but they let me know that the original fuel filter was completely clogged and showed it to me. I'm glad I got it changed... Better late than never. You may have heard that the fuel filter was a lifetime part, but if mine was clogged with relatively low mileage, yours may be as well.

Part# 23300-62030

I find this hard to believe. I just replaced and dissected my original filter just out of curiousity with more than 320k miles on it just a while ago. No change in performance. Filter looked good for a 15 year old part. The fuel you get today is relatively very clean.The filters used today are not like the old ceramic/stone filters. I've used Chevron or 76 pretty much it's entire life. If it was clogged you would have known it.

Here's a link to the cutaway: Fuel filter Cutaway

 

[mtbtim]

Just be careful and use the right sized wrenches (I didn't use line wrenches, but it is a good idea) and don't strip the fuel lines.

A Flare Nut Wrench (aka Tubing Wrench) is really a necessary tool to have for this job especially if you're dealing with rust. You get a much more positive connection with the nut compared to an open end wrench so your chances of stripping the nut is lessened greatly.

 

[pluton]

I've seen varied results of filter cutaways; some are fairly clean like these photos show, others are quite dark and murky.
Besides dirt that may come in the gas, there's also water condensation in the tank, which is going vary according to the climate and how full the operator keeps the tank. I feel that a fuller tank allows less room for air, and therefore less chance of water condensation. I generally refill at 1/2 tank to keep a minimum amount of humidity-containing air in the tank over the long term. If the car is going to sit for a week or longer, it sits full.
Oh, and I always replace the fuel filter upon purchase of a used vehicle. If I still have it ten years later, I might replace the filter again.

 

[99Runnr]

I think it's a great peace of mind maintenance part. My truck had 216k roughly when I changed it. No idea if it was the original or not, however it was the root of a hesitation problem. It's more understandable if your truck is rusted to piss that you are afraid to loosen any nut or bolt that isn't required. However, as someone who likes knowing a baseline for mechanical rotations, why wouldn't someone change it?

Modern day fuels are clean as stated, but there still are risks and chances like anything else. In a land of profiteering and negligence, the one time you got gas at some station in the boonies, could be the one time you got a bunch of shit that your filter is now carrying.

 

[CoupeSprinter]

Got my replacement fuel filter ready to change.