Date:         Fri, 18 Aug 2017 10:52:44 -0700
Reply-To:     Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: No Start: Fuel Pump?
Comments: To: "Michael A. Radtke" <wa7zpu@5BY9.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <20170817190927.5e107dfee32343ee551244e6@5by9.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

If you are using a pre filter that is getting clogged or if the big filter
is clogging it's time for a new gas tank. Check the plastic expansion tanks
too, cracked ones or failed roll over valve grommets can let water and dirt
into the tank.  If you do replace the tank replace the tank venting system
as well, since dirt and water can enter there too. I assume you have already
replaced the fuel lines.

VW moved away from the pre-filter idea. This is a recirculating fuel system
with a high volume filter after the pump to handle the continuous filtering.
It's after the pump to protect the injectors, and because it's easier to
pump fuel than suck it through a filter. A small pre-filter can clog, and
clog fast, with a dirty/rusty tank. So can the big filter, but it takes a
bit longer.

Stuart

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Michael A. Radtke
Sent: Thursday, August 17, 2017 7:09 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: No Start: Fuel Pump?

Thank you everyone for the advice.

The problem is fixed.  It was the fuel filter.

I was confused why Niel suspected the ignition switch, but then Stuart
explained.  However, I would expect that the double prime would not be so
consistent with an intermittent switch.  Every time I turned on the switch
and removed my fingers from the key it was buzz-wait-buzz.  Now that the van
is running again, I have confirmed that the pump still runs twice.  I asked
another driver of the van and he too says, no it used to run only once.  So
perhaps an ignition switch failure is on the way.

Richard might be comparing a VW computer to a Subaru computer and that may
be apples and oranges.

More than likely the fuel pump always ran twice and I just missed it.

BUT ...

Does anyone else have problems with WIX fuel filters?  This is my first one
of that brand and it was new in February.  My other filters lasted for
years, and clogged slowly.  I never had one come anywhere near keeping the
van from starting.  I replaced the failed filter with another WIX and I have
two more spares.  Should I throw them out?

Thanks again,
Mike

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