Diesel filter change on Toyota LC 120

The diesel filter plays a crucial role in a vehicle's operation by removing particles and filtering out water from the fuel. This is particularly important because the mechanical injection pump found in diesel engines is a fragile part.

Poor filtration can have serious mechanical and financial consequences. It could damage certain parts further down the circuit, which are much more costly. That's why it's vital to change your vehicle's diesel filter regularly if you want to protect your diesel pump.

In this article, we provide a step-by-step guide on how to easily replace your vehicle's diesel filter. While we demonstrate the process using a Toyota LC 120 as an example, the tutorial applies to most 4x4 models, with the main variation being the location of the diesel filter.

To change the diesel filter on your 4x4, you need :

. A large ratchet spanner + extension + 12" socket

. A Small ratchet spanner + sockets 7 and 8

. Multi-socket pliers

. Strap wrench

. Cleaning cloths

. Container

To give you an idea of the level of difficulty of our tutorials, we've graded them from 1 to 5.

Changing the diesel filter on a 4x4 is level 1.

1 - The diesel filter is fairly accessible on the Toyota LC120. It’s on the top of the wing on the driver's side.

2 - Start by disconnecting the connector located at the top of the filter holder.

3 - Dismantle the filter holder & filter, this gives you easy access to the actual filter. Don't forget to disconnect the diesel inlet and outlet pipes.

4 - Once the filter holder is free of its support, the small connector under the diesel filter can be disconnected.

5 - Use a spanner, to remove the connector located on the lower part of the diesel filter. This is the sensor that monitors water present in the filter and filter protection. Empty the diesel from the filter into a container.

Remove the diesel filter support; you may need to use a vice if it's not possible by hand.

6 - The filter has two threads, top and bottom and two seals. Run your finger over each of them with a little diesel. Then, screw firmly by hand with the water presence sensor on one side and the filter holder on the other side. At this stage, if you have recovered the diesel in a container, you can fill the filter before closing it.

7 - Reconnect the lower connector.

8 - Then reattach the diesel filter support.

9 - Reconnect the upper connector.

10 - Then the diesel inlet.

When you change the diesel filter, air enters the fuel system, especially if you haven't completely filled the filter before reassembly. You now need to prime the system.

11 - At the top of the filter holder there’s a sort of black "buzzer" it’s a hand pump. You need to pump it until it’s hard enough that diesel comes out of the filter. The duration of the operation will be proportional to the amount of diesel you spilt during disassembly.

Then you can reattach the hose from the pump to the injection pump.

Then start the engine.

12 - If a few seconds after starting, your engine sputters and chokes, you need to pump a little more.

Diesel filters

Tutorial produced with the help of Benoit Zuk