That's been my approach. Change the cheap and easy one every two years or
when the pump starts to sound like a laminate trimmer.  The big one costs
real money.

Jake

On 8/15/06, Michael Edwards <medwards1@triad.rr.com> wrote:
>
> I posed this question a while back and the responses were similar.  Seems
> we
> have a bit of a dilemma.  As our vehicles approach 20+ years the threat of
> rust and crud in the pump increases while a pre-pump filter can create the
> aforementioned restriction issue.  I'm wondering if the restriction issue
> is
> only a problem once the filter starts to clog.  If so, seems you could
> have
> the best of both worlds by changing it frequently.  I guess the question
> is
> at what interval and how do you know when it needs to be changed before
> you
> encounter running problems?  Assuming the condition of all tanks and the
> amount of contaminants varies from van to van.  But I guess for $5 for a
> square filter you could order a stash and keep them on hand without too
> much
> expense.  Seems like cheap insurance for the expensive pump and round
> filter.
> Mike
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> " .....The small filter before the pump has the disadvantage of being a
> restriction on the suction side of the pump increasing the chance of
> vaporizing the fuel before the pump and causing various running problems.
> Except for the in tank screens, most cars these days do not have filters
> on
> the pump inlets."
> .
> "Aging, rusting gas tanks were apparently not considered (that's a
> post-warrantee problem :-)".
>

--
Jake
1984 Vanagon GL
1986 Westy Weekender "Dixie"
www.crescentbeachguitar.com