If I have a fuel filter it is in such an impossible to reach place I am going to need to pay someone to do it. I can feel like 3 different lines coming from the tank area, but as far as I can feel on any of their paths there is no fuel filter. Why do I always end up with the un-solveable problems?

 

I've been under there again looking further and I am about 90% sure there is no filter anywhere in the area. It would have to be closer to the engine or inside the fuel tank.

 

Another possible power robbing culprit.....Could the catalytic converter be bad? How would I even begin to test it?

 

Did you check inside the fender well? That's where mine is, and I've heard it to be there on other model years as well.

Mine's in the passenger, rear fender well.

Not sure on the catalytic converter

 

Same on mine. Slide under near the filler neck and look up. It's real tight to get to - two hands needed, but really only one fits in there. And plan on getting gas in your eyes.:cry:
Very un-Toyota-like location to put something.

 

I made a seperate thread, but just to update anyone who has been following this one, the fuel filter on the 81 model year is up under the hood on the top of the passenger side wheel well. It looks ghastly and hopefully a change will do me good. Maybe I'll get more power, cuz man this one looks really awful.

 

I changed the fuel filter and removed the over sized canopy and now she does 70 with ease feels like she could cruise at 80 maybe. I am happy.

BTW I just noticed you are a Washington local too