"Not-So-Lifetime" 3rd Gen Fuel Filter

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GSGALLANT

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I just finished replacing the fuel filter on my 2002 4Runner. The throttle response noticeably improved with the new filter. When I took the old filter off the truck, the gas that came out of it was sort of dark, so I decided the cut the old "Lifetime" filter (as Toyota calls it) open to see what the filter media looked like.

The old filter had 100,000km (62000 miles) on it, and let's just say there was nothing "lifetime" looking about the filter media. 95% of the media was black, and I got black semi-greasy stuff all over my hands when I took the old filter apart and un-rolled the media to take pictures. I attached the picture below for those of you that might believe Toyota when they tell you that there is no need to change your fuel filter.
 

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Thats about what the one in my taco looked like after 175k. They do need to be changed about every 30k.

Coop
 
In the tacoma the mpg's went back up to normal, and that was about it. The fuel is now flowing more freely less junk in the filte to slow it down, so I guess it's easier on the pump.

Coop
 
REAL ULTIMATE POWER!

I just changed mine last night.

Talk about an improvement in power delivery.

Oh, and the sludge that came out the back end was just incredible. 113k mi and a lot of bad tanks of gas took it's toll on this "lifetime" still-stock filter. I'll definately put this one on my list to change more frequently considering it's ease (easy location).
 
4RUNN!N said:
What other improvements did you notice with the fuel filter replacement?
Click to expand...
It'll be tough for me to see if my MPG goes up because of the filter change, because my average MPG is on the rise now just due to increasing temperatures outside, but the truck definitely seems to be struggling less on hills than it was before.
 
a 4 year old thread but still relevant

I'm in the midst of this fuel filter change myself. Going on hour 5.

I can not make the front compression fitting not leak. The lines mate up well to the filter-they hand tighten and then wrench turn nicely but spews gas always at the front connection. Yes I have the in and out of the filter in correct position.

I am debating cutting the flared fittings entirely and converting to a simpler and lighter (clear plastic) in line filter to make it easier to replace and monitor visually.

I can do hose clamps and rubber fuel line but apparently compression fittings are beyond my skill level...

really irritating. I have write ups. Figured an hour to do this but am now without a running vehicle with the MR2 getting its new timing belt.

Suggestions? Please flame away but be constructive.:whipping2
 
This could be a bad idea, but could you try to rap the threads with the plastic you would use to rap the threads of a air compressor lines, or will it melt?
 
That sucks. I say convert it and get your wheels moving! Then you won't have to deal with it again in 15-30K. The only thing I would be concerned about is if you have vehicle inspections in CO and would it even matter?
 
You mean teflon tape? Might work. The fuel might break it down though.

I will be replacing my fuel filter tomorrow as well. Going out right now to hit the fittings with some penetrant.
 
Did you use flare nut wrenches? If not maybe the nut got a little "squished" and isn't perfectly round anymore.
 
Qyota said:
You mean teflon tape? Might work. The fuel might break it down though.

I will be replacing my fuel filter tomorrow as well. Going out right now to hit the fittings with some penetrant.
Click to expand...

Mine wasn't too bad to remove and shit, i didnt have any major problems, but then again my dad knew what to do, so there werent any mistakes on my end.
 
I doubt teflon tape would work. The tape is for sealing threads. Compression fittings seal by compressing the flared end of the line into the base of the fitting on the fuel filter. The gas should never reach the threads.
 
theres a thread on RM4wd.org,

RM-4wd • Login

I think you might have to be signed up to see it, but word is that Toyota fuel filters are a Lifetime fuel filter according to some Toyota tecs.

I have never replaced mine at 194k, why is everyone so worried about changing them??

Edit: oh, I guess I should have read the 1st couple posts... I picked up where Ron seems to be having problems...
I am having a hard time picturing where this is leaking from Ron... anyone got a pic of what hes talking about? Im trying to visualize
 
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Agreed that thread tape does not work on compression fittings. It is the pressure of the two adjoining parts that makes the seal.

What brand filter did you buy? If I did mine again I would have gone with a Toyota one vs the MANN just due to fitment concerns. You may want to try another filter and see what happens.

Take a good look at both the filter threads and cone shaped area where the line meets and the line itself where it is flared. Its possible that there is damage to one or both causing your leak.

I was warned by the dealer before I did mine that leaks were highly possible. Worst case scenerio is you have to replace your fuel line and start again.

Also, how tight is the line to the filter? Mine leaked until I really snugged it down.
 
thanks for the input guys it's really helpful

I had some fuel line hose and worm gear clamps laying around and just jerry rigged a splice in over the flared fittings.

It's a Toyota brand filter. The rubber fuel line is marked "not for fuel injection" not sure why - it seems to function okay. Bought it for my mower dilemma a couple weeks back. Clearly- mechanics are not my strongest skill set.

No I did not use flare wrench but honestly the flared ends look fine.My guess is I am not meeting the ends properly to the mating surface flare inside the filter body-there has to be a better design than this.

I will run over to my buddies Irbis Off Road first thing Weds AM and have them show me the secret...and post up to let you guys know what it is.

JohnsD90- you know I considered just waiting on this until the MR2 was put back together this weekend it should be up and running-but I was sitting around thinking "I can do this-there's no reason it won't work..."

So much for best of intentions. I should have checked here before going to bed- little things like this get under my skin and I could not sleep anyways....

I really miss those email notifications...I forget that people are trying to be helpful on a number of issues because I never get the reminder that anything is going on. If I have ignored you guys on any other threads just drop me a PM or email to get me back on task.

runrunner did that Mann filter come with a new bracket as well? Could we see a shot of that one-I recall you talking about it a few months back. I remember Gresham pretty well when I was up there in 02. The Yota dealer there was pretty unhelpful when my 2nd gen was running crappy. Told me they could work me in to their schedule in about a week...

I had a dealership in The Dalles OR do the fuel filter and air filter and about 3 bottles of Techron fuel cleaner to get it back to snuff for the trip back home to here. I think I picked up a bad load of gas in Astoria that triggered it all. Appreciate you trying to be helpful here and over on YT.
 
IMHO, the rubber fuel lines not for fuel injection is fuel injection uses much higher pressures than carbed engines. Notice there is no rubber line between the fuel pump and the injectors, but there is rubber on the return line ( on some applications ).

Just my thoughts...
 
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