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Sun Dec 28, 2014 9:59 am

So Im replacing my fuel lines on my newly acquired 90 Westy w/ 92k miles on it...I'm dropping the tank also to replace the cooling lines to SS and will be replacing the hard fuel lines and tank lines as well....so heres my question and I know its a slippery slope, but should I replace the fuel pump, filter and pressure regulator at the same time with the new fuel lines?....They aren't exactly cheap parts and the van runs fine now....how long should these parts last?...they look like they could be original w 92k miles.....Thanks Kevin

Sun Dec 28, 2014 10:19 am

A very simple fuel pressure test will show if any of those parts are weak or not operating properly.
No need to replace what is working just fine.

Sun Dec 28, 2014 10:20 am

I would do the filter and pressure regulator (you won't know immediately when it fails). I carry a spare pump under the back seat waiting for the original to wear out.

Sun Dec 28, 2014 10:34 am

My father had a saying when it came to car repair... don't spend money you don't have to, but some times that money is well spent..

The way I see it is you have the fuel system apart may as well go for it and keep the others as a back up...

Sun Dec 28, 2014 10:59 am

I know that I think differently from many .......

But, if you are that far into it, all new lines, tank is cleaned and resealed, I would consider it folly to not replace the fuel filter, the pressure regulator (a rubber diaphramed unit proven to fail) and if you've got the coin.... The fuel pump, save the old pump as a back up, drain it well, run some diesel or other rust preventative into it, bag it up and store it as a spare you carry, either for yourself or to help a fellow Vanagon owner along the highways of life.

Dave

Sun Dec 28, 2014 11:08 am

Pumps can last 2-300K miles so yours is still a baby. Don't know the level of deterioration you should expect to see with age verses use though. The FPR would be a maybe, while the fuel filter which is cheap and as a normal maintenance item should be replaced.

If you are planning long road trips especially into more remote areas carrying spares might be in order. Note that there are alternate fuel pumps that will work fine and cost much less than the original. Search for "Ford Ranger fuel pump".

Sun Dec 28, 2014 11:52 am

see Ben's Place for some info on the FPR

whether it will fail slowly or fail suddenly with no warning is the issue on replacing something while it is still working

the FPR is also $70 and can fail catastrophically, so that is another factor

no reason to replace the fuel pump

BTW - how old are your rubber brake hoses???

Sun Dec 28, 2014 2:01 pm

Thanks for the replys.....I will definitely replace the filter and will probably do the pump and fpr, and keep the old working units as backup as suggested, I will feel better knowing that the fuel system is basically new....I plan on keeping this westy for a long time....and yes, the rubber brake hoses are scary and new ones are on order.

Mon Dec 29, 2014 6:40 am

I do carry a good used spare, in over 20yrs of wbx's, 1 over 12 yrs,, 5 owned so far (2 now) on ly pump replaced was on 1st, not sure it was bad (with used 1). If u ever do get a bad one take apart, u easily will see why they last so long, QUALITY, not cheap plastic. I just reclean,replace 2 o-rings & good indefinitely, my 2cts. Despite the static keep a good filter between tank & pump.

Mon Dec 29, 2014 8:05 am

I'd replace the FPR for sure.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=488350&highlight=regulator

Mon Dec 29, 2014 7:29 pm

A couple of weeks ago I was replacing split coolant hose. While working underneath, I noticed a hose clamp had rusted off where the fuel line joins the plastic firewall junction. Under pressure it was dripping fuel, directly above the #1 exhaust header. Replaced the hose clamps with proper FI clamps, finished with the coolant hose, and moved to the top of the engine for bleeding. While running the engine I saw a nicely atomized fuel mist spraying directly at the alternator. FPR had developed a pinhole at the base of the nipple where the right side FI rail fuel return is. My lucky day.

RonC

Mon Dec 29, 2014 7:32 pm

snowsyncro wrote: A couple of weeks ago I was replacing split coolant hose. While working underneath, I noticed a hose clamp had rusted off where the fuel line joins the plastic firewall junction. Under pressure it was dripping fuel, directly above the #1 exhaust header. Replaced the hose clamps with proper FI clamps, finished with the coolant hose, and moved to the top of the engine for bleeding. While running the engine I saw a nicely atomized fuel mist spraying directly at the alternator. FPR had developed a pinhole at the base of the nipple where the right side FI rail fuel return is. My lucky day.

RonC

When was the last time the fuel lines were replaced? And eliminate that plastic fire wall fuel connection too....

Mon Dec 29, 2014 8:03 pm

snowsyncro wrote: While running the engine I saw a nicely atomized fuel mist spraying directly at the alternator. FPR had developed a pinhole at the base of the nipple where the right side FI rail fuel return is. My lucky day.

You people who see winter road salts live dangerously.