Right....that is kind of the thought in this "spitballing" conjecture.  Way easier to replace an external filter than replacing an internal filter (the screen at outlet).  Or, maybe that was VW's way of saying "Game Over, You are Done, replace the fuel tank".

    On Sunday, April 4, 2021, 12:04:26 PM PDT, Dan N <dn92610@gmail.com> wrote:  
 
 Following this topic...

I wonder if there's any benefit or or problem if I put another canister
fuel filter (same as the one downstream) upstream of the fuel pump?

I was thinking of a smaller one but then a smaller maybe too restrictive?

thanks

On Sun, Apr 4, 2021 at 11:27 AM Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net>
wrote:

>  I had this issue once; whining fuel pump.  Horrible performance at higher
> elevations and higher ambient temperatures.  Totally ruined a Colorado trip
> in summer.  Dennis H. immediately diagnosed.  Replaced fuel tank.  All good.
> But.....now just spitballing here, pure conjecture....what about removing
> screen on outlet of fuel tank and adding a pre-fuel-pump filter?  Why did
> VW put this screen into Fuel Tank?  I guess they never thought these bricks
> would be running over 30+ years.
> I mean of course you don't want rust and crud traveling downline to
> injectors, causing even more misery.  In my understanding on my 85, they
> used a little clear plastic filter prior to the fuel pump, but I thought
> this was mostly to trap stuff following assembly of vehicle.  VW later
> deleted this pre-filter.
> Just wondering your thoughts and experience.  A Facebook Vanagon Owner
> recently posted of whining fuel pump.  Not that I would be brave enough to
> tackle removing the fuel tank outlet screen; no problems now, no need to
> attempt, probably won't be for another 30 years.  But just thinking through
> the scenarios.
> Rich
> San Diego
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