I gave up on it. I got it to loosen up, but then it would just turn and not open up. I even pulled out my drill, connected the bit and slowly turned it. Nothing. I think it's stripped or something.

I put PB blaster on it once I removed all the fuel lines. Let it sit for 5 min, reapplied and indeed the screw loosened a but it seemed to not open the clamp and not spread the opening as it should to release from the body and allow me remove the filter. It seems stuck.

I now defer to everyone for their thoughts.

Rob

On Jun 27, 2011, at 3:01 PM, Scott Daniel - Turbovans wrote:

> 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
>