Date:         Sun, 11 Jan 2015 15:06:48 -0500
Reply-To:     TJ Hemrick <x53gunner@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         TJ Hemrick <x53gunner@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Fuel filter opinions wanted
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8

Hey all,
  This is mostly for the Syncro crew but anyone who feels they have
something to offer, feel free to jump in.  I'm prepping to pull the tank on
my Syncro (not the most glamorous of jobs) but now that I'm more of an "old
bull vs young bull"  I'm getting most. if all of the parts I might need
well beforehand.  In fact, I haven't even gotten around to pulling the
transmission yet.  I"m not doing that till at I least feel I'm fully
stocked with the right stuff as once all that stuff is out and spread
around the shop floor, it's a certified disaster area.  But, I digress...
  For those who have not had the pleasure of pulling a fuel tank on your
beloved Vanagon, the Synco adds a whole new level of "You've lost that
loving feeling".  Once you get that beastie out, you'll find that there is
a filter *in* the tank also.  Commonly known as a "sock filter" (although,
I feel that's a misnomer) it's usually listed at the "Syncro in tank
filter".  Most people tell stories of 20 year old mushy piles of mesh as
the only thing reminiscent of said filter once they get into their tank.
 20 years seems long enough for a filter even if from "Der Fatherland Inc."
but unfortunately, again, this is *inside* the tank.  A tank which
requires, removal of the engine, removal of the transmission, *and* a
multi-hour, dirt encrusted, sand spraying, slug fest won only by lots of
long pry bars, cursing, and more pry bars to get that tank out.  Certainly
followed but plenty of cold frost beverage (Yes, Pulp Fiction).  Which
brings us to the parts issue.  Very few vendors actually have or list the
part.  No slam on them.  However, Van-Cafe does list it:  <
http://www.van-cafe.com/home/van_1420841643175/page_1958_1201/syncro-in-tank-fuel-filter.html>.
As you can see in their description, they mention, "...we have never had
the need to install this filter".  Upon searching for that elusive filter,
I came across this replacement part at the FAS website:  <
http://www.foreignautosupply.com/parts-accessories/39-syncro-in-tank-fitting/#.VLK5QuyXiZt>.
Now, on a technical basis, filters are always a good thing.  I think we can
all agree on that.  Especially on a Syncro that may actually travel to
distant places where the gas may not meet federal specs for particulates.
Possible yes, but not highly probable.  Not sure why a single good filter
wouldn't catch the particles later downstream.  Still, the boy scout motto
prevails.  So....Would it be better to use the FAS device and just forego
the filter OR just deal with the point that many years from now, I or most
certainly my kids, will be stuck at this same crossroads?  I'm know which
way I'm leaning but... one or several of you are far more experienced in
both the parts area and real world exposure to this part so I'm doing my
research.

Thanks,

TJ
87 Syncro