Alright last weekend I changed my fuel filter in my 4Runner, took about 10 minutes total and the filter cost $30 at the stealer. Long story short it was really dirty and I had figured it had 7,000 gallons of gas through it. After a week of driving I noticed a SLIGHT increase in performance (what would you expect) but much more importantly is the better throttle response and what I would describe as simply SMOOTHER acceleration throughout the power band. I do assume slightly better mileage, but that will never be told as since it's winter the vehicle spends quite a bit of time warming up and such, so I can only assume the mileage will be slightly better. The write up in the tech section says it, all you really need is 19mm open end, 14mm open end, and a bucket. I'd also recommend Teflon tape and PB Blaster. It's easy, you've got nothing better to do, so go do it!

P.S. I can't find find the pic I took of the cut open filter, but it was dark with black gas and what appeared to be sad type material on the filter element. Definitely wasn't up to par.

 

Well alrighty then! It's now on the "LIST".

 

To avoid all that fuel running all over the place, de-pressurize the fuel injection system first. I did this by unplugging the power to the fuel pump while my truck was running. The vehicle will eventually die out and the system should now be de-pressurized.

 

Don't use teflon tape. Gas softens the tape and it could wind up in your injectors. The fittings are flared so none is necessary.

 

would taking the gas cap off do the same thing?

 

Yep. That's the method used by us lazy folk.

 

Did mine a couple months ago.

I AM snowboarding this weekend, I WILL be getting mass air.

 

bob's writeup on this calls for a "14mm Crow's Foot Wrench"
where does one find one of these? i asked a couple auto parts stores, they had no idea.

 

chuck,

caw! caw!

just go to sears or any autoparts store (except the one's you visited ). they look like this:



bob

 

that was ridiculously funny to me. good tip, i'll check out sears.

 

I WILL be doing some wrenching this weekend, I will, I must!!! I have had my fuel filter (new) sitting on the shelf in the garage for approx 6 months now - I need to get it done!!!

You have inspired me, I will report back later.


Chris

 

FYI I didn't need that crows foot.... my vehicle came from Florida so it's squeaky clean and I didn't have any problem breaking things loose. I'd try it with the good old fashioned open ends after soaking it with PB Blaster for good measure.

 

Oh and I should add that I got 18.6 mpg on this first tank after the filter. That's pretty solid, about an increase of somewhere's of 1-1.5 mpg. I'm happy.

 

not really, it would depressurize the tank, but any fuel after the pump would still have pressure

 

I don't know what's going on with this computer I'm on, but I was going to post that I got 18.6 mpg on this first full tank with the new filter.... at speeds of 60-75mph in temps of 15-30 degrees F on Dueler Revos 265/75/16, just to put it into perspective.... an icrease of 1-1.75 or so mpg. I'd say that's a nice increase for such an easy swap out. Once again, the acceleration is much smoother and that's my favorite change.

 

You're right, I am wrenching this weekend.

Did the fuel filter and air filter. We'll see what the gains are this next week.

Pre install - 18.5 to 21 MPG

You don't need a crows foot, just soak the nuts first and be gentle. If you start to have problems, THEN use a crows foot or line wrench.

Don't forget the bucket and make sure your engine has been off for a long while, if any gas sprays on your exhaust, it could start a fire.

YOU DO NOT WANT THIS TO HAPPEN

Good DIY!

 

Just wanted to add, if you're changing out the fuel filter on a 2.7L, give yourself more than 10 minutes, much more.

 

I did do some wrenchin and I am now very happy - seems a little more peppy - could be imagination - more "testing" needs to be done.

The biggest tip I have is do not forget to use all new crush washers - you should use 4 total, they should have come with the new fuel filter.

I left one off by accident on the very top and fuel was spraying pretty good, shut off the engine right away - installed the last new crush washer and walla it was fully operational again.

Thanks for the inspiration, now I just need to get inspired about my new Rancho steering stabilizer - maybe next weekend!

 

honestly, i dont think you got a 2 mpg increase in milegae from changing out the fuel filter....

 

Wow, who got a 2mpg increase?!