fuel filter

Post by **Ray** » 13 Oct 2006, 16:31

I need to change the petrol filter after putting diesal fuel in the tank during vanfest. I have drained the tank but I still get a little hesitation like fuel starvation occasionly and I thought I would change the filter before trying anything else. I had a quick look today and the filter is in a very inaccessable place and the fixings a bit corroded - any tips on getting it off to make life easier when I tackle the job over the weekend?

Post by **syncroandy** » 13 Oct 2006, 21:25

I did this recently. I'd already ordered up a spare filter and mounting brackets as I'd figured the old ones would be corroded to &*%! (I was right). You'l also need two fresh petrol hose clamps, obvioulsy.

I was lucky and able to get the two 10mm-head self-tappers holding the filter bracket in place off, once free the filter will move enough to get a dremel onto the clips and cut em off. Take out the old filter, then reassemble in reverse order. Oh yeah make sure you clean things up first to prevent dirt getting in, and I also did this a good time after the engine had run to let residual pressure dissapate.

Post by **Ray** » 14 Oct 2006, 16:27

Thanks for the reply. I've had a look now and hopefully the fixing will come off. Given it a good drop releasing fluid and will get a new bracket as you suggest. I intend to replace the pump bracket as well while I'm in there!

Post by **HarryMann** » 14 Oct 2006, 16:33

And its directional - only say that as the arrow seemed to be facing the wrong way on the one I took off... so it can't make that much difference.

Post by **SYMCRO** » 14 Oct 2006, 21:04

Ray,

A big "Think!" Sticker next to your fuel filler might be worth considering as well.

Regards

Simon

Post by **Simon Baxter** » 14 Oct 2006, 21:29

My usual trick for those and indeed the other cars that share the same filter (MKIII Polo, MKIII Golf, Passat etc...) is to bend the lock tabs back to free the clamp from the bracket, then hachsaw the thread in the middle as you can never get the #3 philips screw undone.
Then, hold the threaded rectangular section in the vice and unscrew the remeaining thread with mole grips, then replace the screw with a M6 (10mm head) set screw, with plenty of copperslip obviously.
When you do plenty of these you soon find the quickest way!

Post by **HarryMann** » 14 Oct 2006, 23:53

Now Wiki'ed, thanks all

Post by **Ray** » 16 Oct 2006, 17:00

Thanks everyone, job done easily. Good tip from SB saved a lot of aggro.
Any tips for removing rusted in petrol pump rubber fixings? Difficult to get anything on them.

Post by **HarryMann** » 16 Oct 2006, 19:21

Rip them apart with bare hands

The whole tank-strap, pump and mount is cack IMHO.. GSF do some thimball style rubbers that I used but like £5/pair... they're now split and obviously not up to it - a good easy solution is hard to find for this little devil! Well, concentrated suluphuric acid might be a good solution thinking about it

Post by **Ray** » 17 Oct 2006, 10:25

Are they captive nuts that are on the bracket. I tried cutting them off with a junior hacksaw but there is a raised edge on the bracket which makes it more difficult. On the bit where the rubber has pulled off there is nothing to get hold off. Grinding or drilling appears out as petrol too close. Taking strap off looks like only solution but leaving it as it is seems the easiest!

Post by **HarryMann** » 17 Oct 2006, 12:16

Too long ago for my brain Ray, sorry. I took strap off and junked the lot and started again. Think my pump almost fell off.

If you leave it then maybe create a secondary support with wire/massive cable ties just in case eh?

Post by **HarryMann** » 27 Oct 2006, 00:57

Ray, is this any use, or too late:-

Post by **sonic23** » 27 Oct 2006, 08:51

Ray,
I've just done this nasty little job (FUEL PUMP BRACKET), and replaced with genuine VW parts, so should be good for another few months

The easiest thing to do is to take the tank strap off (unless of course it looks like it'll fall to pieces when you do so). I then had to grind away what was left of the rubber mounts (nice smell) and then punch the centre bit, that was left ,out of the bracket. I think this centre bit is supposed to be a thread that you wind the rubber mounts up onto, but when I replaced I just used M6 lock nuts straight onto the other end of the rubber mount - will make the job easier next time

The rubber mounts aren't cheap, but at least you can still get them - £10.50 for the pair:
VW Part no: 113 142 355 B

And if you want the bracket that the fuel pump rests in then it's £4.28:
022 133 549 A - clamp lower part
022 251 521 C - clamp upper part.

£15 well spent in my book, as due to 'nipper' commitments, my other half would have given me the evil eye if i'd started trying to fabricate something....

cheers,
Rich

Post by **HarryMann** » 27 Oct 2006, 09:56

unless of course it looks like it'll fall to pieces when you do so

A good chance of that I think...

I'd consider sourcing some nice thick rubber strips (1/4" minimum) and big cable ties.

Qu. is... Is the vibration isolation of the rubber cotton reel mounts really vital - is it likely to froth the fuel or whatever else it might do or not do, if fairly securely clamped up to the bracket?

I think we could all agree this is not one of VWs best fuel pump installations, although I suppose it must work for a good few years ex factory. Just wrap that pump with plastic of some sort to stop it corroding against any steel brackets, or use copious chromate paste.

Post by **Ray** » 27 Oct 2006, 16:08

Have not done the job yet but have all the parts from vw. The rubber mounts are 22 mm and screw into captive nut on bracket so hoping they will come off. Waiting to get some duralac now before I start. Thanks for all the suggestions.

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