I have that little square strainer on all three of my vans - two 88
GLs and one Carat. Dunno who put them there, but there they are, and I'm
glad of it.

But I think you have missed the point(s) (1) The _strainer_ is to
PROTECT THE FUEL PUMP from the large particles of crude  that could
damage the internal components of the pump. (2) The can type_ filter_ is
there to PROTECT the fuel injectors by taking out the very fine stuff
that could get caught in the  nozzles of the injectors. Having a larger
can filter downstream of the pump gains  no advantage in protecting the
pump. Only something upstream would do that - whether a screen in the
tank or a strainer before the pump. Unless it is known for certain there
is a screen n the tank, I certainly would opt for the small strainer in
front of the pump. Good insurance.

John

John Rodgers
Clayartist and Moldmaker
88'GL VW Bus Driver
Chelsea, AL
Http://www.moldhaus.com

On 10/6/2010 4:06 PM, Scott Daniel - Turbovans wrote:
> re
> "Both are lifetime filters and do not require replacement under normal
> circumstances."
>
> That's  totally silly, I hope you don't believe that for a second.
>
> I would say this book does not match vanagons exactly.
> it's a 'digifant' manual.
> Digifant Vanagons  ( 2.1 wbxr engine ) use one 'large silver can fuel
> filter' downstream of the fuel pump.
> that's all they have ..
> unless you count  some sort of strainer or screen that is likely in
> the fuel
> tank.
>
> the 'small square filter' as we know is used on DigiJET Vanagons with 1.9
> engine ..
> and it's before the fuel pump, and it's the only fuel filter on those
> vans
> ( it's always better to eliminate that small filter and put the larger
> metal
> can filter on those vans, downstream of the fuel pump )..
> And it is a filter for sure, not a strainer.
>
> I never take Manuals like this as Pure Gospel ..
> They are very much in the ball park about most things ..
> but they are more 'system' related, rather than specific vehicle
> related,.
>
> I regard them as an overview to find out how the system they cover
> works. .
> and not so much for vehicle specific  details.
>
> Scott
> www.turbovans.com
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "John Rodgers" <inua@CHARTER.NET>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Wednesday, October 06, 2010 1:26 PM
> Subject: Fuel Filters vs Fuel Strainers
>
>
>>  In working with my two vans that were stored for 10 years, I have had
>> to deal with many issues. One was getting the fuel delivery system
>> working again. This included opening it up, and flushing all the old
>> fuel and junk from it. The injectors were frozen and would not work, so
>> had to send them out for servicing. They work fine now. And the fuel
>> pump on my Carat was seized so that had to be dealt with. By removing
>> the pump, and spraying carburetor cleaner into it and allowing it to sit
>> over night, then repeating the process, the pump freed up and now works
>> just fine.Then there was the issue of the fuel filters.
>>
>> In as much as I'm having idling problems, I got out the Digifant Fuel
>> Injection System manual to study. I found interesting remarks concerning
>> the fuel filters. In as much as there has been a good bit of talk on
>> this list about the large filter after the pump, and the small filter in
>> front of the pump - here is what the book has to say about them.
>>
>> ************************
>>
>> *Fuel Filters*
>>
>> Two types of filters are used on the Digifant system.
>>
>> One is a square _*plastic fuel  strainer*_ which is mounted before the
>> fuel pump *_to __protect the pump_* from foreign particles.
>>
>> The *_main fuel filter_* is a metal cylinder which mounts behind the
>> fuel pump. *_It has a finer filtering mesh to protect the fuel injection
>> components._*
>>
>> Both are lifetime filters and do not require replacement under normal
>> circumstances.
>>
>> *********************
>>
>> Of interest to me is the different function of the two filters - the
>> first to protect the pump. the second to protect the FI components, ie,
>> the injectors.
>>
>> I note that one is  a fuel STRAINER, while the other is a fuel FILTER.
>> Quite a different between a strainer and a filter.
>>
>> I have read that the square strainer  can be left out, but after reading
>> this - I would not. Each filter/strainer serves a different and distinct
>> purpose and therefore both need to be in the fuel system..
>>
>> Just my $0.02.
>>
>> John
>>
>> --
>> John Rodgers
>> Clayartist and Moldmaker
>> 88'GL VW Bus Driver
>> Chelsea, AL
>> Http://www.moldhaus.com
>
>