Fuel Filter Replacement? Yes? No?

[3rd100]

A few months ago I purchased a 99 LC100 just shy of 160k miles; it's my 3rd LC and 2nd 100 so I'm pretty familiar with the vehicle, its needs, its quirks, etc.

It runs great, smooth & quiet just like my 2002 did, but it does some slightly less "peppy" than my 02 was (the 02 had about 115k on it when I very stupidly traded it in last year).

At my next oil change I am going to thoroughly clean the intake (as I did on my 02) and was considering whether or not to replace the fuel filter. I know our manuals say that they don't need to be replaced, but logic dictates that, at 14 years old and with 160k miles worth of fuel flowing through it, it could be less effective than it once was.

So, finally getting to my question, those of you with higher-mile, older 100s, have you replaced your fuel filter?

 

[SWUtah]

Cleaned TB and intake system and changed the fuel filter between 120-124k miles. I agree with your logic. Mine ran great before, now it's a little more peppy and a little less vibration. Also look at replacing the T's by the fire wall, another good thing to do for older 100 series if your anal like some of us?

 

[KlausVanWinkle]

Yes. Did it at 170k. Just do it. It's $20 and 5mins so you can at least rule that out. Some suggest that a dirty fuel filter might cause the fuel pump to die sooner. The Disco guys modify their fuel pump lines to be able to change them on the fly for some reason.

 

[3rd100]

Did you guys get the replacement filter at a Toyota dealer?

I was worried they wouldn't even be available since Toyota doesn't officially state to replace them at "x" miles or time interval.

 

[OGBeno]

23300-50090 is what you need.

 

[3rd100]

Cleaned TB and intake system and changed the fuel filter between 120-124k miles. I agree with your logic. Mine ran great before, now it's a little more peppy and a little less vibration. Also look at replacing the T's by the fire wall, another good thing to do for older 100 series if your anal like some of us?

Forgive my ignorance, what T's are you referring to?

And yes, unfortunately, when it comes to my vehicles I am a bit anal also (LOL) but I actually used to be far, far worse...

 

[3rd100]

23300-50090 is what you need.

Thank you!

 

[stonepa]

Cleaned TB and intake system and changed the fuel filter between 120-124k miles. I agree with your logic. Mine ran great before, now it's a little more peppy and a little less vibration. Also look at replacing the T's by the fire wall, another good thing to do for older 100 series if your anal like some of us?

I've replaced neither the fuel filter or the T's. 300k miles, used fuel from the pump as well as crap black market fuel in Mexico (long time ago). No issues. Maybe next service knowing that it seems an easy fix.

 

[2001LC]

I'm considering changing fuel filter again.

Did at 60K miles not knowing what PO had put in gas tank. I'm now thinking it might be a good ides to do again.

Thinking this because changes in seasonal gas, using various gas stations and filling after fuel tanker truck string-up, then that sediment getting into my tank. Then E85 and/or using pricey gas with cleaners flushing gunk into filter.

Has anyone done a fuel pressure & flow test before and after a filter replacement?

 

[2000UZJ]

Filter life depends on where you live and the gas station you fill up at. Older gas stations have more sediment in their tanks, same as gas stations in the middle of nowhere. Having to dig up the ground to access the tank is huge money, so try to stick with large gas stations that move a ton of gas and keep a nice clean facility. I could be totally off on my thought, but I'd rather fill up at a gas station that is well kept and moves a lot of fuel than one that doesn't (Atlanta vs central Kansas)

As for the fuel filter, I have not replaced mine. I'm somewhere around 200,000 miles (oversize tires, 182K on OD) and it runs smooth as can be. I'll do it one day.

 

[KlausVanWinkle]

I got my heater T's and fuel filter from Beno. I was trying to find the culprit for my 11mpg highway. I think it was the roof rack. But seafoaming the intake, cleaning the TB and MAFS and replacing the fuel filter might have helped some.

 

[jemsec]

Changed mine recently at 153k. When it was removed there was a lot of crud that came out. I know it needed to be replaced. Think about it, how much crud can a filter hold before its full? When I replaced the tees, at the same time, I also replaced all the vacuum and heater hoses, front and rear, with oem. Those suckers are not cheap. Nothing to worry about for quite a while. I hope!

 

[2001LC]

I got my heater T's and fuel filter from Beno. I was trying to find the culprit for my 11mpg highway. I think it was the roof rack. But seafoaming the intake, cleaning the TB and MAFS and replacing the fuel filter might have helped some.

Remember to put a large sail on that roof rack

Two more thing I found helped, and is recommended by FSM; is too: Disconnect - battery terminal for 30 minutes while cleaning MAF meter (resets ECU). Also inspect the wires going into MAF meter make sure: tight, separated and clean. You may-as-well clean & re-grease battery - & + post & terminals while your at it. .

 

[OGBeno]

As I always have recommended, after replacing the fuel filter, take a hacksaw and chop it in half.


You will be blown away by how dirty a 1st world petrol supply is....

 

[2001LC]

I've seen a few picture in mud of the tops cut off. But they didn't show much other than paper & metal from sawing.

Anyone have some picture they care to share here, that would be cool to see?

Edited:
I just did a search and found some picture in this thread that sold me: IN HERE

 

[TXLX100]

I changed the fuel filter around 120k and 15 years old. It's in an easy location and a cheap part, not really worth worrying over for me. If it were under the car/weird location or cost hundreds of $, I may have left it alone. I used a dealer part. Had to really tighten the fuel tank side to secure it. Ready for 15 more years!

 

[DJWUZJ]

My truck is an 03 with 156k.

It's been a week since swapping mine. I didn't gain any noticeable throttle response or power gains, however, she does seem to start a bit easier, and idle just a tiny bit smoother.

For me, this was good enough in knowing that it was a worth while venture... Worth the $20 bucks and a few less brain cells after huffing fumes

 

[OGBeno]

I always tell folks to cut open the one you pull out. You will be amazed at how dirty first world petrol is....

 

[Micah]

anyone used one from Advanced auto parts or autozone and had any issues?

 

[jbuswim]

I know this is an older post but I have a fuel filter question. I am changing mine this weekend. What sort of pressure is built up in there? I am planning on having a larger sized hose to drain any run off into a fuel can. Other than that is it just bolt off the old and bolt on the new? Any nuances to look out for?
Thanks!