Anyone seen this problem?

[tundra.gator]

I have a '00 Limited (16,000 miles) with what I believe to be an engine performance issue. Looking for some insight/assistance into figuring it out.

When I am at WOT in one gear and the truck shifts to a higher gear, my engine seems to almost bog down and I'm pretty sure that I can hear pinging in there. It seems like the engine is getting more fuel than it can handle or that the timing is not being advanced appropriately. If I slowly back off of WOT, it will reach a point where you can feel the power coming back and the pinging stops. Anything less that WOT seems to be OK although power does seem to come on in surges at times.

I don't remember this behavior being there when I bought the truck. It is annoying and concerning. The only engine mod I have is a K&N filter.

I'm thinking the MAF sensor but I'm not sure. Can you clean the wires in there? How? Would it be worth putting a OBD-II scan tool on it?

Any help/ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks,
TG

[fltundra]

Try changing the fuel filter.

[tundra.gator]

Is changing the fuel filter something that I can do pretty easily? I am somewhat mechanically inclined.

Also, any recommendations for plugs? Should I stick with stock plugs?

[big-o]

If you have over 30k, I would change the fuel filter. You should also try putting in the platinum plugs out of a Toyota Echo, they are a hotter plug good for a few more horses. Recomended straight from the Toyota Certified Mechanics mouth! He's done it, and raced with and with out getting a noticeable difference.

[mskaj]

Where is the fuel filter located? Is it an in-line filter? Is it easy to get to? Anyone have a part number for the replacement?