2001 camry fuel filter

[jmc55ma]

My 2001 Camry 2.2 liter with 173000 miles still has the original fuel filter under the hood. Should it be changed? Toyota service says no need to change it because it should last the life of the car. I cant believe that they do not get plugged.

[ycartf]

Yes they do get plugged, and yes they should be replaced periodically (I do it every 30k miles). Even though it may not be 100% clogged and your car may be running ok, making your fuel pump work harder to push through a restrictive filter seems like it would make the pump fail prematurely. While the fuel filter is a little bit of a pain to replace, it is waaaay easier than replacing the fuel pump.

edit - I usually compare how easy it is to blow through the new one as compared to the old one (after all the gas has drained). That will make you a believer in changing it.

[JohnGD]

And a filter costs less than a pump too.

Make sure to use flare nut wrenches and be careful of the seized lower nut that can cause a twisted fuel pipe.

[Leinad]

I just changed mine at 250,000 km. Unbelievable the gelatine that came out of it. What a difference it makes.

Idle is smother and up to 800 rpm's and better acceleration.

You'll see a change too.

[jmc55ma]

Thanks for the reply. I am definately changing my filter this week!! One tow bill for my broken timing belt was enough for the month of June!!