Syncro: why you should change the in tank submersible hose

[syncrodoka]

My son's syncro came to us with a low mileage VW rebuilt motor but not functioning despite having good compression. We found the fuel pump to be DOA after turning the key and not hearing the fuel pump cycle but it got voltage from the fuel pump relay. It was replaced with a new model but I still pulled the sender to confirm that the submersible hose was in good shape and to clean the tank from debris that can collect from the pumps over the years.
This is what I found in the tank tray where the filter is located.

It looks to be chunks of the outer sheathing of the OG submersible hose that is the return line through the sender to the tank tray along with some gooey mess from the replacement hose. The hose used for replacement by the PO or his mechanic is the woven non submersible rated hose that was really soft and I was able to peel it open like this without tools. The hose was severely collapsed beyond that.

FWIW the tray is assembled in the tank like this with the fuel filter screwing into the tank outlet and the return line coming back and feeding into the hole at the top of the picture.

If you have never cleaned you tank and replaced the internal hose you should consider it, I have found debris in all of the tanks that I have inspected.
VC stocks the submersible rated fuel line and surprisingly the in tank filter as well.

BTW his syncro fired right up after turning the key to the first position a dozen times to prime the pump before firing it off. He was elated!

[hans j]

All of that stuff was missing when I pulled mine. Don't miss it one bit!
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1986 Canadian Syncro Westy TDI - 1989 Syncro Single Cab - 2001 Audi S4 - 1981 VW Caddy ABA - 1980 VW Caddy EV - 1973 VW T-181

[insyncro]

Thanks for the post.
Most definitely worth a look inside the tank if you want a "reliable" Syncro.

[djkeev]

As already mentioned but bears repeating, the fuel hose is often a different product when it is to be submerged in fuel.

Make sure your choice of hose is ok for this purpose or it will decay and cause fuel debris problems.

Dave
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https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert

[syncrodoka]

FWIW, VC doesn't list the submersible hose with the fuel line but with the sending unit-
http://www.van-cafe.com/home/van_1419753464544/page_1810_1481/syncro-in-tank-fuel-hose.html
About 16" that they sell is the correct length.

Here is the in tank fuel filter- http://www.van-cafe.com/home/van_1419753464544/page_1958_1201/syncro-in-tank-fuel-filter.html
I was quite surprised to see them listed.

[tjet]

Thanks. Will put that on my to-do list

[morymob]

Does tank have to removed 1st??

[morymob]

Does tank have to removed 1st??

[syncrodoka]

It is easier if the tank is out but it can be done with it in position as well. You have to remove the charcoal canister and the bracket as well as unscrew the fuel filter bracket behind the shock tower for better access to the sender hardware.

[morymob]

Tankee much.

[luVWagn]

Are the tanks/parts identical between gas and diesel?
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'91 Syncro 16 Reimo Hightop Conversion, eTDI

[syncrodoka]