fzj fuel filter=lifetime???

Landpimp · 09-18-03, 06:35 PM

Called the dealer to get a 75k service(not much it seems) done on mom's 97, they are heading on a road trip thru OR and ID, so I asked about the fuel filter and was told it's never replaced but is good for life, well something tells me this can't be correct.........can it? I believe he said ALL Toyota fuel injectioned fuel filters are lifetime. I know I have replaced mine 2x's on my 92, granted there was nothing wrong with them, but at 100k and 200k I just did em. Something else he said, when the fuel pump dies then replace the filter.......OK but if the filter is cloged(partialy) doesn't the fuel pump work harder and die sooner? This is the 1st time I have heard what I thought was BS from anyone at this dealer.......

No I don't work on mom's Cruiser myself......I would rather have someone else to blame if something goes wrong

I can bugger up my chit all day long

John H

anderaa13 · 09-18-03, 06:49 PM

I think the dealer is correct. Toyota does consider the fuel filters to be lifetime. It is certainly possible for them to become clogged though. If it was me I wouldn't worry about it unless I had problems.
aaron

landtank · 09-18-03, 08:33 PM

Recent discussions have pointed to fuel filters needing replacement for running issues and possibly a cause for running a lean mixture and damaging the engine. I just changed mine at 118k.

Rich · 09-18-03, 08:44 PM

Well, the life of the filter is dependent on how much dirty gas flow through it. Certainly, in a Land Cruiser, you know a lot of gas will be burned.

My experience with fuel injected engines is that a clogged fuel filter really isn't obvious until you find out you can't accelerate up a steep hill. It gets bad quick after that. Then you end up needing to buy and change a filter in the middle of nowhere.

A periodic change is a good idea...somewhere a long the range of every 80 - 100k is reasonable.

If you have a car (not a TLC!) that gets 30+ mpg then obviously it is less likely to need a fuel filter change.

In the old days with a carb a clogging fuel filter showed up quick with a rough running engine. I think with computerized fuel injection the low flow is better masked until you notice you can not get the max power you expect.

nakman · 09-18-03, 09:06 PM

[quote author=Rich link=board=2;threadid=5422;start=msg42775#msg42775 date=1063939491]
Certainly, in a Land Cruiser, you know a lot of gas will be burned.
[/quote]

Thanks, Rich. I'm LMAO as they say. I also agree, it's easy enough to replace every 100K or so and worth doing.

cruiserdan · 09-18-03, 09:38 PM

So, anyway,

The fuel filter is not "lifetime" It is "replace as required". In other words, you don't change it 'cuz you hit XYZ miles. Mr T used to recommend fuel filter replacement as a maintinence item untill people started fawlking up the high pressure fittings trying to change them while vehicles were still under warranty coverage (personal read on that). In addition, they seem to be pretty durable for a long time. That is as long as you live in a developed country where the fuel supply is somewhat dependable. I prefer to change the fuel filter around 50k mile intervals. I have not had fuel delivery issues changing the filter at this interval and could easily go further. That being said, I have been able to shake some interesting "stuff" out of the old filters upon removal.
I change them before there is a problem because it is a beetch to do it on the trail while you are on a once-in-a-lifetime Elk hunt.

D-

Jonathan_Ferguson · 09-18-03, 09:49 PM

Quote:

I prefer to change the fuel filter around 50k mile intervals.

The 1996 FZJ80R Service Book says the Fuel Filter is to be replaced every 80,000km or 100,000km(I can't remember which).

Quote:

That is as long as you live in a developed country where the fuel supply is somewhat dependable.

:'(

Chuck_FJ60 · 09-19-03, 07:23 AM

cruiserdan,

We have 88K miles on our '97 and I have purchased a new fuel filter and will try to change it out this weekend. Please tell me the best way to remove the old filter without messing up the high pressure fittings? Using flare wrenches?

Thanks,

Chuck

cruiserdan · 09-19-03, 07:38 AM

The 1FZ fuel filter uses banjo bolts. A good box end wrench or socket is fine. The location of the filter makes it fun but it is doable. Some of the other EFI vehicles, notably trucks, have compression fittings that require flare nut wrenches.

D-

Landpimp · 09-19-03, 08:04 AM

Guys, thanks for the info, I think I will have them change it out next service, I think it's cheap insurance.

I know if it's anything like my 3fe filter it's not hard but messy, and yes at 100k on those I had some "stuff" in the filter. I also know there is anothter filter/screen in the fuel tank, I replaced this on my 92 when I replaced the gas tank.

John H

Junk · 09-19-03, 08:31 AM

Yo Pimp. I had to change mine at about 70k due to stalling while climbing up over ledges. Anytime I would stop like that, the truck would stall out. Clogged filter. Swapped it and no worries now.

RWD · 09-19-03, 08:58 AM

Have fun changing the filter cause it's a real pain LOL. I did mine from under the truck. The banjo bolts have copper washers on them to seal so be careful when putting it all back together. It's very easy to drop one while threading the bolt into the filter.

sleeoffroad · 09-19-03, 09:41 AM

Make sure you de-pressurise the system first. Let it stand overnight and open the gas cap when you do the work. Crack the two banjo fittings first, before you remove the bolts that hold the filter. Once our, take the bolt closest to the block and re-install it without the filter. Then take the new filter and cut the mounting hole open so it is a slot. That way you can slide the filter in, instead of trying to get that bolt started with the filter in. That is by far the most difficult part.

MTNRAT · 09-19-03, 09:47 AM

Hmmm, I seem to be having a problem getting a good top end out of my 80. Does not want to get much over 90mph at 3500 rpm. It should still be pulling at that rpm level. I wonder if the fuel filter is the problem?
Sean

cruiserdan · 09-19-03, 09:49 AM

Do you have a boost gauge or a pyrometer?

fj40crusher · 09-19-03, 09:53 AM

Hey Pimp,

What other services did the dealer recommend on mom's 97? We have about the same mileage I think. Would rather get some routine maintenance done rather then "fix" stuff.

MTNRAT · 09-19-03, 10:00 AM

Cdan, I do have a pyrometer.
Sean

cruiserdan · 09-19-03, 10:08 AM

OK,
IIRC a lean condition should make the exhaust gas temp climb. Do you see that happening? I have a boost gauge and I find that a good diagnostic tool. For example if you notice a drop in pressure you have a problem. Unfortunately I did not install a pyrometer, I have one on my Cimmins and I should have done the Cruiser too. I still may do it.

Landpimp · 09-19-03, 10:13 AM

[quote author=fj40crusher link=board=2;threadid=5422;start=msg42937#msg42937 date=1063986802]
Hey Pimp,

What other services did the dealer recommend on mom's 97? We have about the same mileage I think. Would rather get some routine maintenance done rather then "fix" stuff.
[/quote]

75k is just a oil change, rotate tires, inspect stuff. 60k is a big one if I recall(change all fluids, ect) did all the stuff recomended, except plug wires, it's getting them this time.

Oh and the noise behind the dash went away, as well as the rough idle(me thinks bad gas)

John H

MTNRAT · 09-19-03, 10:14 AM

The EGT is about 1450+ at WOT so you could be right. What is IIRC?
Sean

cruiserdan · 09-19-03, 10:23 AM

If I Remember Correctly........

cruiserman · 09-19-03, 10:37 AM

[quote author=Chuck_FJ60 link=board=2;threadid=5422;start=msg42879#msg42879 date=1063977799]
cruiserdan,

We have 88K miles on our '97 and I have purchased a new fuel filter and will try to change it out this weekend. Please tell me the best way to remove the old filter without messing up the high pressure fittings? Using flare wrenches?

Thanks,

Chuck
[/quote]

It's not a difficult job, but it helps to have small, womanly hands

. You might consider pulling the upper half of the intake to make it a longer, but much easier job.

Beowulf · 09-19-03, 11:48 AM

Christo,
Can you post a pic or better describe which end gets the slot. I carry a new fuel filter as a spare and will cut the slot in the new one in case it needs a trail repair.

Would it help to slot both ends?
-B-

cruiserdan · 09-19-03, 11:59 AM

B-

I can show you when you stop by.....

D-

MTNRAT · 09-19-03, 12:42 PM

OK, Cdan, I'll bite. If my top end problem is caused by a lean condition, what are the causes and rectifications?
Cheers,
Sean

Chuck_FJ60 · 06-10-04, 10:59 PM

Hey Y'all,

Hadn't had a chance to change out the Fuel Filter yet. After having the #6 injector recently replaced, I figured that I better get it done, as the filter was just sitting in the garage catching dust in the box

What's the consensus on the replacement procedure? Did most of you who changed it go from the top or from underneath? I will attempt to tackle it this weekend if possible.

Thanks all,

Chuck

ppc · 06-10-04, 11:03 PM

From the DS wheelwell.

DRTDuck · 06-10-04, 11:04 PM

From underneath without too much difficulty. Just kind of pain in the backside. Have towels availalbe to wipe the gas of your arm!

cruiserman · 06-11-04, 01:52 AM

I changed mine the first time from the top. It wasn't that bad, and I don't have small, womanly hands.

Chuck_FJ60 · 06-11-04, 07:28 AM

Thanks guys,

I'll look at it from the top first, if that isn't convenient, then I'll try from the bottom. Hopefully, that would allow me to get the job done without having to remove the DS wheel & jacking up the truck. If that fails, then I'll try from the DS wheelwell. The actual job sounds very clear cut. I may even attempt the EGR valve replacement as I also have that part in the garage. Got the P0401 several months ago, but it didn't come back since resetting the FI fuse.