the fuel flows from the tank aft to the engine ..
so arrows on FF point aft.

it's a very clever mounting bracket I think. ( I don't think *everything* VW does is underbuilt or weak..they do some great things here and there ..this is one of them )

the tightening screw has two functions..
one it sqeazes down on the filter to hold it in the clamp..
and it sqeazes the two ends of the clamp  into holes in the frame of the van .  I highly approve of this FF mounting. 
it's perfect. 

filters are always ( or usually ) made to the larger end is 'out.'  This type of FF anyway. 
use lots of wd-40 to make things move easier. 
before even starting the job ..
I'd hose everything in the area down with WD-40. 
I'd say penetrating oil..but I don't like getting that on fuel lines. 

scott
www.turbovans.com 
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Robert Stewart 
  To: Vanagon List Serv 
  Sent: Monday, June 27, 2011 10:46 AM
  Subject: Installing Fuel Filter on an 88 Cant get filter out!

  So I just started to notice a little hesitation when taking off and realized I have not changed the fuel filter in about 2 years so I wanted to change it today but can't figure out how to remove it from the metal circular bracket that it sits in.

  I have unscrewed the bolt at the bottom of the holder but now it just spins and is not loosening. How do I remove that piece?

  Also what direction do the arrows on Mahl filter go? From the front of the van to the back is shows a fuel line, then the pump, then the filter. 

  Does the filter point the arrows toward the front of the van or the rear? 

  Thanks again!

  Rob

  -- 
  Bloomingburg NY
  88 auto Wolfsburg, Silver
  5,000 miles on rebuilt engine- automatic