$@%$@% Fuel Filter - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Guitarlp · 02-15-2005, 10:17 PM

I spent about 3 hours tonight trying to replace my fuel filter only to leave with swollen and cut up hands and a bad attitude. How did you guys with the 5th gens ever get that bottom bolt out of the filter? I tried from under the car and above but there's not enough room to turn a wrench in there. I'm very tempted to just go to Toyota and spend the $$$ at this point because it's being too much of a pain in the arse!

CelicaGT5 · 02-16-2005, 12:22 AM

I have a 1988 celica gt which is a fourth gen (I think) and I have the same problem. I used a smaller wrench, took off the wheel and spent about 45 min trying before it finally worked.
My best advice is to pray a lot.

lcarocha · 02-16-2005, 10:13 AM

I cant even get my hand on it even if I tried. It's to far deep inside the engine bay and there are too many hoses and wires in the way. I usually pay for having it changed.

turbo_GT · 02-16-2005, 01:10 PM

take ou tthe charcoal canister first..it's much easier without it...

canadiancelica · 02-16-2005, 01:11 PM

I took out my strut, that made it hella easy

Guitarlp · 02-16-2005, 01:49 PM

Taking out the Charcoal canister would make the job a bit easier. I'm not sure about that bottom bolt though... it's really in there. I think it may be the original fuel filter on this car.

I called Toyota and they quoted me $198 with parts and labor... yea right :P. I guess I'll just remove the charcoal canister, lift up the front left side of the car, remove the tire, remove the strut, and just go at it. Maybe I'll take a trip to a tool store and see if I can find a 14mm wrench that will fit in there better. $5 for that part is better then $200 at Toyota.

speedyts49 · 04-23-2005, 05:56 PM

i did the same thing today and could not get it out. I even bought a 14mm flare nut wrench to make the job easier. I removed the canister and had a little room but rather than break something I put it all back together and returned the filter, the wrench, and got some oil in its place. Also checked out the canister while I had it out using compressed air per factory manual instruction.

flex-appeal · 04-24-2005, 01:37 AM

I've been meaning to replace my fuel filter one of these days too, i was just waiting for my cuts to heal from when i replaced the steering rack boots last week!

Now you've all got me worried damn you! hehe

canadiancelica · 04-24-2005, 06:33 AM

My mechanic and I did mine, he lets me use his shop when hes not busy, hes usually there and helps out at no extra charge. We did it wih the car on the ramp and took out the drivers strut assembly, made it a sinch, but I dont know if thats the way to go in the driveway

speedyts49 · 04-24-2005, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by canadiancelica

My mechanic and I did mine, he lets me use his shop when hes not busy, hes usually there and helps out at no extra charge. We did it wih the car on the ramp and took out the drivers strut assembly, made it a sinch, but I dont know if thats the way to go in the driveway

yes thats the ticket. If you could get some leverage on it it would come right off, probably.
Toyota must really put some sealant or crank that bottom nut since the filter is considered a life time part. Nothing in the schedule about changing it.
I only drew a little blood which is normal for me when turning wrenchs.

flex-appeal · 04-24-2005, 09:56 AM

I've never heard of any filter being a lifetime part, especially with all the rubbish in fuel these days. The Haynes manual reccomends changing the celica filter every 24 months, thats why i've been meaning to do it. I've had the car longer than that already and i bet the last owner didnt do it!

speedyts49 · 04-24-2005, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flex-appeal

I've never heard of any filter being a lifetime part, especially with all the rubbish in fuel these days. The Haynes manual reccomends changing the celica filter every 24 months, thats why i've been meaning to do it. I've had the car longer than that already and i bet the last owner didnt do it!

My Haynes says the same thing, every 24 months. Fuel filter replacement is not shown in the maintanance schedule in my factory manuals or my owners manual. That is all I was saying.
I really would like to change the thing and still may have it done if I can find a good price on labor.
Good luck

Hotcarsjr · 04-24-2005, 06:34 PM

Bought a fuel filter as well and never put it in as I went to attempt it and saw it was no easy job, guess Im not alone. Ill do it when I replace my struts later this month as it seems thats the easy way of doing it.

Jamie Moore · 05-19-2005, 12:06 AM

I have a 92 celica st took me 2 days to get it off. I had my brother to take 19mm wrench hold the top of filter after i moved the canister out of the way, then i had the car jacked up crawled under and took 14mm wrench and turned it.you may have to take turns on who turns to break it loose it's really on there.putting it back on easy making sure you get it tight enough not to leak hard.

EggBeater59 · 05-19-2005, 02:22 AM

okay, heres what i did.
removed air box charcoal canister and brake cylinder.
DESTROYED stock fuel line. took a pipe cutter to it, went to autozone, got some steel line (already flared out) and some rubber hose and clamps. its a steel line at the bottom of the filter and rubber in the middle. use two clamps on each connection, and tighten HARD.
result- new fuel filter, no leaks, good pressure, and installation next time will be a snap.