90 - 01 Toyota Camry Fuel Filter Replacement / Throttle Body Cleaning

One of the most neglected maintenance task for today's automobile is fuel filter replacement. In the case of the Toyota Camry (89 - 01), the manufacture does not list the filter as a scheduled maintenance item. Surprisingly, many mechanics at both dealerships and independent shops do not advocated its replacement unless asked to do so. A replacement filter is not expensive but when it gets clogged and the fuel needs of the vehicle's engine are deprived, the following symptoms may occur:

• Hesitation when towing or climbing hills.
• Difficult to start; especially when the engine is cold.
• Poor acceleration.
• Engine shut down during idle.
• Can cause potential fuel pump failure (overtaxing the pump with too much back pressure)
• Engine misfire due to lack of adequate fuel.

The advocates of filter replacement recommend servicing every 3 years or 30,000 miles; perhaps sooner if a victim of a bad tank of gas.

To determine how badly clogged the filter is after removal, ensure all the gas has been removed from the filter and attempt blowing air through the intake / fuel supply fitting. Compare the back pressure with the new filter. There have been personal instances where no air could pass through.

Access to the filter is made simpler and convenient by removing parts that interfere with tool access. It is therefore recommend that the Air Cleaner Box and the driver's side Fender Apron Seal be removed. With the cleaner box removed, consider cleaning the throttle body throttle plate of carbon buildup as an additional maintenance item (also not part of the manufacturer's maintenance schedule). The Throttle Body is easy to access with the cleaner box and cleaner box hose removed.

Before torquing off the lower fuel line fitting, have a rag on hand to capture any fuel that may leak after removal. A Crows Foot tool was used in lieu of an open end wrench to generate more leveraged torque and eliminate stripping the fitting.

A 1/2" socket wrench is recommended.  There is little room to attach a box or open end wrench to the Union Bolt.  Grasp the filter firmly while applying loosing torque on the bolt.  Place a bucket under the filter to capture gasoline when vacuum is relieved from the filter when the bolt is released.

If the replacement filter came with a new bracket, remove the two 10mm bracket retaining bolts from the vehicle frame. If using the existing bracket, remove the bracket and loosen the filter clamp bolt to slide out the old filter. It is recommend that the new filter be attached to the bottom fitting before attaching the bracket. It eases adjustments to the fuel bracket when aligning both the fuel supply line and mounting to the vehicle frame.

Slide the new or existing fuel bracket onto the new filter. Align the filter elongated tabs with the indentation on the fuel bracket where the upper metal fuel line is at a 30 degree angle facing the transmission. Check that the bracket can align with the bolt holes on the frame without placing stress on the lower fuel line. After tightening the bracket mounting bolts, secure the Union Bolt to the new filter with new lower and upper O rings. The lower fuel line fitting can now be tightened.

Before putting everything back together and assuming the air box hose has been removed, consider cleaning off any carbon deposits that may have accumulated on the edges of the Throttle Body Plate (or Butterfly) and the interior of the Throttle Body Port with Carburetor Spray Solvent. Work the plate open and use both a clean rag and perhaps a used tooth brush to loosen the carbon. If a pristine cleaning job is preferred but not necessary, the throttle body can be removed and cleaned off the intake manifold. This will allow air ports leading into the throttle body to be cleaned with a thin nylon bristle brushes.

Turn the engine on for 30 seconds to allow the electric fuel pump to initialize the new fuel filter with fuel. Check for leaks. Start the car and with the engine running, check for leaks. Lastly, use a 'Top Tier' Gasoline to prevent deposit buildup in your fuel injectors and intake values. Use a fuel injector / fuel system cleaner if you have any doubts on deposit build up. For more information, refer to this site: http://www.toptiergas.com/ To determine how clogged your old fuel filter is, wipe clean the filter input port and attempt blowing air through it like a balloon. Some residual gas will blow out in the process. A new filter will have virtually no resistance.