Replacing Fuel Filter

[iancc]

Hi,

I am considering replacing my fuel filters on a watercooled, 1.9 petrol engine. Recent MOT suggested one was getting dirty.

I can see one just after fuel tank which looks very dirty and one just before the carburettor which is not as bad (the first one is obviously filtering the worst of the gunk).

Does anyone have any tips before I start? I have seen a couple of replacement filters on JustKampers and VW Heritage for a couple of quid so will probably get 2 new ones.

-Can I just clamp the fuel line on either side of the filter before removing and replacing? This will still lead to a bit of a spillage - is this ok? Any good suggestions for clamps for this as I dont have any so will need to purchase some.

-Should I fill the new filter with fuel before I attach it to the fuel line? I am a bit worried that the fuel line might get damaged / split if I clamp it too hard?

-Will any air caught in the fuel line cause damage to the engine or can I just rev it out?

Is there anything I have not thought about? Any tips greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[Mocki]

you really need to be replacing your fuel lines at this time...... regardless of age, as you will need to figure in removing the filter that should NOT be in the engine bay. - there should only be one filter, under the sill by the tank outlet.

simply clamp the pipe just after the tank out let, swap out the filter, and try not to cry about the less than a egg cup full you will have to spill ( shouldnt be more than about £7.50 at todays prices!!!!)

the extra filter you need to remove in the engine bay will not be doing you any favours, and doing your pump even less ....

try to use the correct size pipe clip, of a good quality. Oversize pipe clips pull oval and dont seal well.

[kevtherev]

Good sound advice... one filter only

we've halved your parts bill !... see 80-90 in action

[iancc]

Thats great,thanks for all your help.

I've found fuel clips and fuel hose on j*st k*mpers. Are there any types of hose to avoid??

[kevtherev]

garden hose ... and socks, often called hose







just be sure it's FUEL hose every time

[bumble bee]

so why would people put 2 in as mine has 2 aswell

[Red Westie]

DOUBLE BAG so nothing, absolutely nada gets past....extra safety against unwanted pregnancy

Martin

[BOXY]

so why would people put 2 in as mine has 2 aswell

"a little knowledge is a dangerous thing" normally applies. The extra one gets fitted by someone who a) doesn't know where the fuel tank one is or b) is really paranoid about dirty fuel.

One filter is sufficient, all a second filter does is decrease the fuel flow by adding a second pressure drop in the fuel circuit. It also increases the chances of a fuel leak by chopping a perfectly servicable piece of fuel hose if half and joining it back together with a cheap piece of plastic (nylon). And just for good measure puts the potential fuel leak as close to the hot sparky bit of the van as possible.

[bumble bee]

mine will be getting removed before we go on our hols me thinks
thank you