> Actually, on my Vanagon ('87) there is a VW recall in which they
> replace the fuel filter with a plain piece of hose.
> It says something like 'the filter is only required to filter out
> contaminants when the fuel system is new'.

On some later models a different fuel tank was used, with an outlet size
that matched the inlet size of the fuel pump.  In that case a straight piece
of hose would be all that is needed. VW did put this tank on some earlier
vans as well as a replacement tank.  But on most Vanagons (and on all
aftermarket replacement tanks), the outlet of the tank and the inlet of the
pump are different diameters. Perhaps the "plain piece of hose" the dealer
used was actually a reducer rather than just a straight piece of hose (or
your Vanagon had a later style tank). I suppose they could have used a
straight piece of hose and just clamped down on it tighter on one side to
make up the difference, but that would seem unlikely.

- Ron Salmon
  The Bus Depot, Inc.
  (215) 234-VWVW
  www.busdepot.com

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