Hi Dennis,

I'm not sure this is a good comparison. Modern manufacturers are no
longer building vehicles with a 20-year lifespan in mind, VW included.

Modern fuel systems are putting the pump in the tank and using the
computer to control fuel pressure so there is no need for a return
line. But a GMC Savanna fuel pump assembly costs $700 from the
dealer. In 2003 my 2001 Ford Focus had a recall on the "pump-in-tank"
the week after it left me stranded.

Maintenance is the key to prolonging the life of a 20-something year
old vehicle. Change the filter at the recommended interval (6 months)
and you won't have a problem. Changing fuel lines on a regular basis
is also a good idea. (5-6 year interval??)

I would rather trust a filter I can replace than a screen or sock
inside the tank that I can't see, and I'd rather see it in front of
the pump. YMMV.

Happy trails,

Greg Potts
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

1973/74/79 Westfakia Conversion **Bob the Tomato**  LY3H
1977 Sunroof Automatic L63H/L90D
http://www.pottsfamily.ca/westfakia
http://www.busesofthecorn.com

On 17-May-06, at 11:59 PM, Dennis Haynes wrote:

> There is a screen or sock in the tank that will catch the big stuff
> and
> protect the pump. There is little benefit to a filter before the pump
> and most manufacturers do not use one on FI vehicles. A filter can
> cause
> more problems as the fuel will vaporize or boil under a vacuum and
> these
> pumps move a lot of fuel so restrictions before the pump must be
> reduced.