The fuel filter is not self cleaning, but has sufficient capacity that it
should last the "normal" life of the vehicle or the first real bad tank of
gas. One thing lousy is it's placement after the pump which leaves it with
no protection. Putting the filter in the engine compartment has the added
benefit of maximizing fire potential and creating all types of vapor lock
problems.  Fuel flows thorough the filter at a rate much faster than the
engine will use it with the excess being returned to the tank by the
pressure regulator. The large surface area of the filter will add additional
heat to the fuel as it travels in this loop.

Dennis

----- Original Message -----
From: "EMZ" <vw4x4@FYI.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, December 28, 1999 4:40 PM
Subject: Re: Relocating syncro fuel filter

> I would consider this a bad move. This fuel filter, is "self cleaning"
> and "never needs changing".  Thats why it was located in a place so
> hard to get to. Here we go redesiging the wheel.
>
>             Eric                   86-VW4x4
>             vw4x4@fyi.net          72-240z
>             Pittsburgh, PA USA     1936-Chrysler
>
>
> On Tue, 28 Dec 1999, Mark McCulley wrote:
>
> > I relocated the fuel filter on my 87 syncro to a much more accessible
> > location in the engine compartment. The original location was above and
> > behind the left rear wheel. This was quite easy--the most difficult task
was
> > removing the original fuel filter. Here's what you need to do for this
> > modification:
> >
> > After pulling the fuel pump relay and cranking the engine to drop the
> > pressure in the fuel lines, remove the nipple in the engine compartment
that
> > connects the fuel line from the original fuel filter to the fuel lines
in
> > the engine area. This is the fuel line that goes directly to the FI
rails,
> > not the return line with the pressure regulator. Insert the fuel filter
in
> > place of the nipple and use the nipple in place of the original fuel
filter.
> > Using the nipple in place of the original filter was tight but I managed
to
> > connect the two hoses without straining them. You can't reuse the OEM
fuel
> > line clamps so you'll need to obtain 4 fuel-injection style clamps for
the
> > fuel filter and nipple. Install the fuel pump relay, crank the engine
and be
> > sure there are no leaks.
> >
> > The new filter sits above the engine near the firewall where the fuel
lines
> > enter the engine compartment. No more grovelling with your face pressed
> > against the rear tire while trying to blindly remove those blasted 10mm
> > screws...
> >
> > Mark McCulley
> > 87 syncro Westfalia
> > TRNSPTR
> > ______________________________________________________
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> >