I believe what you are seeing is the fuel pump.
Check the pressure at the fuel injectors. This will tell you
if the pump is bad. It's not likely.
            Eric                   86-VW4x4
            vw4x4@fyi.net          72-240z
            Pittsburgh, PA USA     1936-Chrysler

On Sat, 28 Nov 1998, D. Pestle wrote:

> What is this item?
> It is connected to the battery, is round and about three inches behind
> the fuel filter with fuel going through the center? Could it be the
> culprit of my starting problems. See - 85 GL Flooded? Trouble starting
> in cold weather?
>
> Daniel Pestle
> Still stranded in Red Lodge
> with my 85 GL Vanagon
>