Date: Wed, 4 Aug 2010 11:08:47 -0400
Reply-To: Ed Duntz <eduntz@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Ed Duntz <eduntz@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Fuel filters
In-Reply-To: <7E362ADFA29B4232BFD2B85D4996E1EF@troyb5bff49d63>
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Here it is in a nutshell, though there is more reading in the archives (and
on the Samba) about both pumps and filters.
Early Vanagons (generally air-coooled and 1.9's) had the white square
plastic fuel filter before the pump. They must go before the pump as they
are not designed for the high pressure after the pump. They have a 7mm inlet
to match the outlet of the tank, and a larger outlet (11mm) outlet to match
the inlet of the fuel pump. The original fuel pump has 11mm inlet and 7mm
outlet, and spade terminals. On the 2.1's, VW eliminated the white square
plastic fuel filter before the pump, replacing it with an adapter to match
the inlet of the fuel pump. They used a metal canister type filter, (7mm at
both ends) which withstands the high pressure after the pump. This filter is
designed to better protect the injection system. Some say that the earlier
filters tend to get clogged easily and can cause cavitation in the system,
though many swear by the earlier filters. Those who do without them and
switch to the later set-up say that the screens in the tank and the pump do
a fine job of protecting the pump, and that the metal filter is much more
important in protecting the injectors. The metal filters are widely
available from Fram, Bosch, etc. Just watch out for price differences. They
can be had for as little as $6, all the way up to $30, depending on where
you get them. The white plastic filters are slightly harder to find, but
they are still around. So some people use one filter or the other, or both.
Let your ear be your guide in monitoring the system- listen for unusual
noises at the fuel pump for signs that it is cavitating or straining.
Sometimes this is also caused by gunk clogging up the outlet of the tank.
The last few years of Vanagon production saw a change to an 11mm tank
outlet, which some say reduces or eliminates any cavitation problems, but
many replacement tanks are of the 7mm outlet variety. Bus Depot and others
do sell both the 7mm and 11mm outlet varieties.
As for fuel pumps, the original Bosch had spade terminals, and a replacement
from Bus Depot goes for a little over $100. There are cheaper replacements,
but of course we open up a whole can of worms there. You can get a
replacement that was used in some Ford Escorts and pickups for about $60 in
an auto parts store. (Discussed here and on the Samba in the past) They may
have screw terminals and 7mm inlet and outlet, so you may have to make a few
changes depending on your set-up. That is what I used on my '87 about six
years ago and it has been fine. You can get a replacement on eBay for
$47.50, but of course that brings with it the caveat from many saying "You
get what you pay for." You can also find pumps for $300 or more. The
inexpensive Bosch is a popular choice. Whichever you use when it is time
for a change, just make sure that you hook it up observing the correct
polarity, as it will pump backwards if hooked up with reversed polarity.
What I like to do is use a Fram G2 or G12 (same size filter, about $3 at
Wal-Mart) right out of the tank. It is a small clear filter, and lets me
monitor any sediment or junk that might be coming out of the tank. Then I
use the metal canister after the pump for the best protection. It is a small
filter, though, and probably should be changed more often than others.
Any set-up other that the stock may require an adapter or two, but some
(including myself) use a small piece of hose inside another any time I have
a different sized fitting.
Make sure that any hose you use after the pump is rated for fuel injection.
Anything before the pump can be standard fuel line.
Ed in CT
--------------------------------------------------
From: "Troy" <colorworks@GCI.NET>
Sent: Wednesday, August 04, 2010 2:53 AM
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Subject: Fuel filters
> Hi folks:
>
> I just popped my head under the van to check whether I had spade or round
> terminals on my fuel pump, as I wanted to get a backup and notice there
> are two fuel filters. One charcoal canister type and then another square
> plastic one. Is this normal on most vehicles? Why are two needed? Curious
> minds want to know. Also, I think I will go ahead and order some fuel hose
> clamps while I'm at it, what size clamps do I need? Looks like there are
> six of them, and then I think after the charcoal canister it goes to a
> larger diameter hose? Bentley 20.27 doesn't indicate hose size.
>
> Troy
>
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