Most Vanagon fuel pump failures are the result of the pump running dry or starving at the inlet end. This is a very robust design that has been used by VW since the type 4 in 1972. This pump is also used on many Ford products like the Escorts. The modern fuel sources deliver relatively clean fuel and most debris now is from the tank failing. The pre filter only delays the inevitable. At least Syncros have plastic tanks that do not develop the rust problem. Anyway, I see the pre filter as a solution to a problem that may not exist. Since the FUN BUS is now pushing 236K on the original pump, I can't see benefit to a pre filter. Also, the metal filter is good for 30K miles or more. I rarely see pump failures due to debris and when I do; it always comes down to tank replacement time. Dennis
-----Original Message----- From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Greg Potts Sent: Thursday, May 18, 2006 8:39 AM To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM Subject: Re: different fuel filter #s for 83.5 Vanagon Hi Dennis, I'm not sure this is a good comparison. Modern manufacturers are no longer building vehicles with a 20-year lifespan in mind, VW included. Modern fuel systems are putting the pump in the tank and using the computer to control fuel pressure so there is no need for a return line. But a GMC Savanna fuel pump assembly costs $700 from the dealer. In 2003 my 2001 Ford Focus had a recall on the "pump-in-tank" the week after it left me stranded. Maintenance is the key to prolonging the life of a 20-something year old vehicle. Change the filter at the recommended interval (6 months) and you won't have a problem. Changing fuel lines on a regular basis is also a good idea. (5-6 year interval??) I would rather trust a filter I can replace than a screen or sock inside the tank that I can't see, and I'd rather see it in front of the pump. YMMV. Happy trails, Greg Potts Toronto, Ontario, Canada 1973/74/79 Westfakia Conversion **Bob the Tomato** LY3H 1977 Sunroof Automatic L63H/L90D http://www.pottsfamily.ca/westfakia http://www.busesofthecorn.com
On 17-May-06, at 11:59 PM, Dennis Haynes wrote: > There is a screen or sock in the tank that will catch the big stuff > and > protect the pump. There is little benefit to a filter before the pump > and most manufacturers do not use one on FI vehicles. A filter can > cause > more problems as the fuel will vaporize or boil under a vacuum and > these > pumps move a lot of fuel so restrictions before the pump must be > reduced. |
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