Date:         Thu, 18 May 2006 19:48:24 -0400
Reply-To:     Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
Subject:      Re: different fuel filter #s for 83.5 Vanagon
Comments: To: Greg Potts <Greg@POTTSFAMILY.CA>
In-Reply-To:  <DDE420D5-F0E5-492B-BD1E-3704B567DBCD@pottsfamily.ca>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

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.