There's no reason to run the hose through the firewall.
Its' WAY better to have it just below the firewall edge. It's easier to work
on, you can see it easier to watch for leaks, and no risk of the hose
rubbing through the grommet.

 And yes defensibly get rid of the plastic part.  Can't imagine why they put
that part on there.   
There are many things that mounted 'floating' a little is better than
mounting it rigidly.
I do all kinds of engine conversions on vanagons, I sort of specialize in
making them very easy to work on, very easy to see where things are, and
nothing can rub on anything...........that's how fires start quite often.  
Scott
www.turbovans.com 

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Jeff Clayman
Sent: Tuesday, January 01, 2008 5:55 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Fuel Line Trick! 87 Van 2.1 A/t

I just went through the fuel line swap in my van.  It is sensible to
eliminate the plastic wall fitting and just run high pressure line hose
through the firewall.  The grommets that positing the air cleaner holes are
perfect for the firewall hole and you can get them from busdepot!  There is
one problem though, tjust before passing through the firewall the line comes
into contact with a cooling line.  The stock plastic tube had piece of
asbestine cloth over it.  This is a necessary mod!

Hopefully, one less flaming vanagon!

Jeff