On one of my prior 4Runner's I had the filter changed and there was some nasty black stuff coming out of it. I wasn't having any problems with the truck but it seemed like a good maintenance thing to do. I wouldn't do it too often but I think it needs to be done to keep the fuel injection running properly. My current 4Runner has 148K miles on it and I'm not sure if the original owner changed it or not. I need to check his records, he was good with the maintenance and I'm grateful.

Considering that a fuel filter cost about $10 and a tow truck cost $150+, I'd change it about every 50K miles. But if you have a lot of trash in your tank you may have to change it more often.

FYI, for those few of us who have a fuel filter mounted under the hood, make sure the previous owner(s) didn't leave the original fuel filter installed at the tank (like mine did <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> ). If your filter has been moved just make sure it's installed on the ENTERING side of the fuel pump and not the LEAVING side. The filter needs to protect the pump.

i called toyota to price a gas filter,and the parts guy
asked me why i was pricing one,he said not to touch it.

Am I missing something here? I thought it was a GOOD idea to change your fuel filter every now and then.....not a BAD thing........

I think the fact that the PO failed to replace the fuel filter caused the in-tank fuel pump to fail on my 92 4Runner. When I purchased it, mine had over 145,000 mile on it. Eventually had to replace the fuel pump after replacing the filter. Replacing a pump is LOTS more expensive than replacing fuel filter. Same scenario happend on my mom's car, too. I don't care WHAT the dealer says,, replace it! Filters get stuff in them and eventually clog up. That's what they are supposed to do -- 'filter'.

Mike in AR

What did you tell him to make him say that? Low mileage?

I don't know of a filter that your not supposed to change.

You're absolutely right! The more the filter loads up the harder the pump has to work to move the same amount of fuel. Eventually, it begins to starve the motor out on top end.

mine was a huge pita to change, wish i had NEVER got into it. even at 130k miles, there was nothing wrong with the filer. if you do it, i would suggest getting the line that is forward of it too. there is a filter (mesh screen) that is attached to the pump, anyway. my .02

92 v6 truck. I changed mine out when I bought my truck with 130,000mi. It had never been done. I could hardly blow air through the old filter. Despite the massive restriction, I noticed no difference with the new filter. Our fuel pumps must be very powerful! I changed it again less than two years later and it was as clear as the day I bought it.

Sheesh.....I'm glad mine's a carbie! It sounds like changin fuel filters if fun for you other guys! It takes me about 15 mins to get mine done. Unclip filter from holder, undo 2 lines, throw away, install lines on new filter, clip back in, and drive away.

Exactly! Not sure what configuration the other models have but the '86 carb'd is simple. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/nana.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />