Section : Fuel and Additives

Fuel filter fitting

Posted By : Andrew Shore, 11-Apr-2007, 02:46pm

Would you be so kind to tell me if I have done something a little bit silly?

I have bought an in-line fuel filter (one of the plastic jobbies from the club shop), I decided to fit it just before the fuel pump to clean out the crap before entering the pump. I cut the pipe before finding the fit is a little tight, will the filter fit here or have I attempted to fit it in a place it just won't go? I have already bent one fliter trying to fit it. Tell me I havn't got to buy and fit a new line!

thanks in advance

Andrew

Followups :

Fuel filter fitting

Posted By : Lindsay Dearing, 11-Apr-2007, 04:55pm

Andrew, the fuel filter needs to be in the flexible pipe before the pump, as shown. The filter is then fitted, using a 42mm P clip to the left hand engine valance panel. This is pretty much where Triumph fitted them on the export Mk3s in the late 60's. Make sure you use new fuel pipe clips on the spigots.

Fuel filter fitting
- Fuel filter fitting
  
  Posted By : Leon Guyot, 11-Apr-2007, 06:12pm
  
  It may not be the same in the UK, but if 'paper' filters like those are used here in the USA, I had to replace them annually.
  
  The petrol (gasoline) here is RFG (ReFormulatedGasoline), which basically means that it contains Ethanol to improve the Octane, whereas it used to contain the superior MTBE, methanol etc.
  
  Anyhow, what happens is that the entire paper sufrace gets 'plugged up' and fuel or air, will no longer pass through it.
  
  I cut one open to investigate it!
  
  Now, I use the type with the replaceable fine nylon mesh.
  
  That seems better.
  
  So, keep an eye on it!
  
  Rgds
  
  LÃ©on
Fuel filter fitting

Posted By : Andrew Shore, 11-Apr-2007, 06:38pm

Many thanks for the responses.

Looks like I have cut the line in the right place but I have a flexible plastic line on my MkIV not a nice rubber one which is causing the fitting problems. Would it be better to replace the entire line with a modern rubber one or is there any way to fit it with the plastic line?

cheers

Andrew
- Fuel filter fitting
  
  Posted By : Steve Abbott, 11-Apr-2007, 07:58pm
  
  Andrew, buy a length of rubber fuel hose from the local motor factor (1/4" I.D. I think) and fit this to the plastic tubing with a fuel hose clip. Fit the filter (with another clip) to the rubber hose, then run another length of rubber hose to the inlet on the lift pump. I have this set up on my MkIV and it does make it easier to change the filter when neccessary. You will certainly struggle to fit any in-line filter to the plastic tubing. Make sure all unions have a secure hose clip and all should be well.
  Steve.
  - Fuel filter fitting
    
    Posted By : Andrew Shore, 11-Apr-2007, 09:48pm
    
    Good plan batman.
    
    Many thanks once again to all!
  - Fuel filter fitting
    
    Posted By : Leon Guyot, 12-Apr-2007, 06:35pm
    
    Personally, I never liked ANY kind of plastic hose on our cars, it tends to dry out, shrink, crack, split etc.
    
    It is also susceptible to damage.
    
    I would replace any plastic pipe with cupro-nickle (kunifer) pipe or the correct neoprene fuel resistant hose.
    
    Also, use the correct clips, ie: proper fuel hose clips instead of 'jubilee' type clips.
    
    Namrick sells nice shiny, (Vinnie), Stainless Steel items.
    
    Regards
    
    LÃ©on