fuel filter replacement?

willy · #1 (**permalink**) 12-31-2006, 09:05 AM

It's too cold (9 F) and still dark to go outside and look, so I thought I'd ask. Does the fuel filter require special tools to change on a '00 V8 Tundra?

yspert · #2 (**permalink**) 12-31-2006, 09:31 AM

unless you are having a "low power on accel" problem or know
something bad has been put in the tank, then replacing the
fuel filter is a waste of time and money. yspert

willy · #3 (**permalink**) 12-31-2006, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yspert

unless you are having a "low power on accel" problem or know
something bad has been put in the tank, then replacing the
fuel filter is a waste of time and money. yspert

I've had two vehicles that I neglected to get the fuel filters changed at their suggested intervals. Both filters ended up plugging and both times it caused the fuel pump to burn out, which is not uncommon when a filter plugs. So, on top of that filter cost, then I had to add on the cost of a pump, plus a towing. When it happened to my F-250 work truck this past summer with only 40,000 miles on the truck, I was in the middle of nowhere and need a 100+ mile tow. Including towing charges, a new filter, a new pump, and labor, it cost over $1000, all because the filter plugged.

So, does anyone know if I need special tools to change the filter on my '00 Tundra?

yspert · #4 (**permalink**) 12-31-2006, 10:26 AM

you will need flare wrenches. yspert

enlightened · #5 (**permalink**) 12-31-2006, 12:21 PM

I had the same thing possibly happen to the '01 Tundra three weeks ago. 144,000 miles on truck, fuel filter only replaced once at 62,000 miles, so I neglected it for 82,000 miles, and turn over the engine,,,no start....fuel pump failure (knew it right off) .... towing (4x4 dolly), parts (fuel pump and filter) & labor...total cost $855.00.
Rather ironic as I am known for doing ALL other maintenance items on the severe service schedule to a tee, but completely forgot about the fuel filter!!!

Tones · #6 (**permalink**) 12-31-2006, 12:22 PM

Willy, thanks for chiming in. I agree. I have also gotten stranded from a clogged fuel filter (on a vehicle that was not my own). I cannot see doing preventive maintenance and avoiding inconveniences a waste of time or money. I haven't done mine yet either, but plan to soon at around 50k on my truck.

I believe the fittings are like tubing fittings, so you will need wrenches and a bucket.

shall36 · #7 (**permalink**) 12-31-2006, 12:25 PM

Yah, it's kind of a PITA, but cheap insurance. Cut a used one open some time and see what kind of trash comes out. I once had a customer who bought gas at the same place all the time and he had a perpetual fuel filter clogging problem! That's rare, but it does happen.

Flare wrenches help but are not absolutely necessary. You will need a 17mm end wrench and a 15mm wrench, I believe....been a while since I did mine.

Hey, $15 every 15k miles....it's cheap maintenance.

TexasTornado · #8 (**permalink**) 12-31-2006, 12:27 PM

Does anyone know if the 05-06 has one or is it in the tank.

xtc500 · #9 (**permalink**) 12-31-2006, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yspert

unless you are having a "low power on accel" problem or know
something bad has been put in the tank, then replacing the
fuel filter is a waste of time and money. yspert

Hello all. New member here. Just took posession of a 06 Tundra double cab 4X4. Looking forward to putting some miles on it.

Not intending to disscourage anyone from doing reg maintenance, but I have to agree with yspert. The warning signs of a partially plugged fuel filter are easy to notice. Loss of power at acceleration or at highway speeds are very noticable when the filter plugs to the point it will not pass enough fuel to maintain the engine rev. you are requesting. This should be noticed before the fuel pump is starved long enough to cause damage. I have used this method for many years to determine when to change the filter. During my farming days when we took fuel from an older farm storage tank, the changes were yearly.
But in light of what the other members hear are saying about fuel pump failures, I think I will start including a fuel filter change as per the recomended schedule.

yspert · #10 (**permalink**) 12-31-2006, 12:59 PM

any thoughts on why toyota stopped recommending fuel
filter replacement fifteen years ago? yspert

rc846 · #11 (**permalink**) 12-31-2006, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xtc500

Hello all. New member here. Just took posession of a 06 Tundra double cab 4X4. Looking forward to putting some miles on it.

Not intending to disscourage anyone from doing reg maintenance, but I have to agree with yspert. The warning signs of a partially plugged fuel filter are easy to notice. Loss of power at acceleration or at highway speeds are very noticable when the filter plugs to the point it will not pass enough fuel to maintain the engine rev. you are requesting. This should be noticed before the fuel pump is starved long enough to cause damage. I have used this method for many years to determine when to change the filter. During my farming days when we took fuel from an older farm storage tank, the changes were yearly.
But in light of what the other members hear are saying about fuel pump failures, I think I will start including a fuel filter change as per the recomended schedule.

??? This should be noticed before the fuel pump is starved long enough to cause damage ???

The fuel pump is in the gas tank and pushes fuel through the filter then to the engine. So when the filter gets clogged up the pump has to push harder thus the pump burning up.

My 1985 Toyota Celica fuel pump burned up on my trip to Los Vegas and left me stranded it must be the long drive. I got all the way there parked it then it would not start.
The local mechanic in Los Vegas put a new pump in and it started. I drove for about six months and burned that one up. I tell the mechanic that I just replaced it and he asked me “Did you do the filter to?” ooops.

Tones · #12 (**permalink**) 12-31-2006, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yspert

any thoughts on why toyota stopped recommending fuel
filter replacement fifteen years ago? yspert

Yes, I believe that Toyota has jumped on the "no maintenance required" bandwagon like every other auto maker. Good for them because your vehicle requires more parts and service from neglect after the first 100k miles, but bad for you $$$.

RitcheyRch · #13 (**permalink**) 12-31-2006, 02:18 PM

Replaced mine at 45K miles and was surprised at the junk that came out of it. Truck was acting weird so figured was being starved for fuel. Replaced the filter and problem solved. Was a royal PITA to replace since is so close to the frame rail and they have hard line going to it rather than some rubber hoses.

CHINKinatundra · #14 (**permalink**) 12-31-2006, 03:36 PM

on an 02 tundra, is it just one filter to change out in the engine bay? or is there another one closer to the tank as well? i'm nearing 40K so i'll probably replace my fuel filters sometime this month just to be safe.

RitcheyRch · #15 (**permalink**) 12-31-2006, 04:12 PM

There is only one filter and it is under the drivers door.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CHINKinatundra

on an 02 tundra, is it just one filter to change out in the engine bay? or is there another one closer to the tank as well? i'm nearing 40K so i'll probably replace my fuel filters sometime this month just to be safe.