I would say abrasion protection is the main goal as I doubt much heat
protection would be had from them.  I have seen many folks replace their
fuel lines and not reuse the old sleeves or get new ones.  You can get
new cover tubing from VW and it is not that expensive.  Or you can also
get that plastic covers that is split up the middle and goes around
wiring harnesses to neaten them up.  You should be able to get this in
lengths from a place that does radio installs.

Hope this helps,
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com

Allan Streib wrote:
> Are the white plastic/vinyl "sleeves" on the fuel hose in the engine
> compartment there mainly for protection against abrasion, or as heat
> shields?  I've seen them referred to both ways.
>
> I'm thinking that to avoid the "goo" problem but keep the abrasion
> protection, some kind of durable "netting" or open weave sleeve could be
> used to allow better breathing of any fuel vapor that permeates the
> hose.
>
> Allan
> --
> 1991 Vanagon GL
>
>