Gas filter location?

[Dr OnHolliday]

(not in the FAQs)

I saw a mention in another thread about moving a gas filter to a different (non-engine compartment?) location.

What's the deal with that?

BTW my car is a baja'd '65 sunroof, so no enclosed engine compartment (checking out the mechanical systems - tomorrow should be "start the engine day")

Thanx

[JKing'63]

Fire hazard. It's just to keep it away from electrical stuff. If the filter should happen to spring a leak and shoot gas on the distributor you would have a problem

[bugguy076]

I put the filter along side the tranny. That way it is protected from damage and fuel is filtered before it goes into the pump. It's a good idea to use a metal filter.

[pantone149]

I think we can mostly agree that it's a good idea to have a fuel filter. Given the fact that there exists the slight possibility that it may leak some day, why mount it near heat and spark? Why not mount it on the cool/no spark side of the engine? Simple as that.

[smitty24]

I mount a few- one on the out of the fuel tank and one after the gearbox. Not only is the fire hazard thing there with the compartment mount, but it also preheats the fuel and sometimes you can see it bubble in the filters when it gets hot. You want the incoming fuel as cool as possible.

[Helfen]

[John]

I always put it here... don't forget the clamps!

[Glenn]

[KTPhil]

...and use fuel injectoin clamps, not worm clamps; the latter chews up the hose jacket and can bring on early leaks or cit it.

A baja is even MORE vulnerable to the engine bay location problems. More jouncing means that fuel/filter mass can pull out the carb fitting more easily. The plastic filter is exposed to UV rays, further weakening it.

And the greater ground clearance of the baja makes it real easy to change out in the tranny location!

[JKing'63]

Thanks everyone

[KTPhil]

[Helfen]

[KTPhil]

Our local dealer used to carry the plastic-type filter but later (mid-'70s?)removed those from the parts shelves. When I got my VW, I was going to install one, and I asked why they no longer carried them. The parts counter guy told me they were told by VW not to sell those because of liability for fire danger. He referred me to the local aftermarket part shop (Beck-Arnley, etc) if I really insisted. I used the thin glass type for a few years, and then removed it for good when it, too, started leaking, and when a friend had the fuel pipe pull out of his carb.

So at some point VW figured out it was dangerous and pulled them off the shelves. It's wise for us to do the same, or risk a car-b-que.

This must have happened after your training.

If someone insists they need a filter between the carb and pump, I suggest they use a metal filter, use a clamp to hold it to the shroud, taking the weight off the hose/pipe, and use FI clamps.

But I'd just put the metal next to the tranny, and check it when I check the axle boots...every oil change. Then change it every year or so when I change the brake fluid. You won't get any additional rust in the line between the filter and the carb, and you still have the pump strainer if you have an internal filter failure.

[Helfen]

[Helfen]

[Culito]

I use a steel filter on the left side of the engine compartment, away from the electrics and the distributor, mounted with rubber padded clamps.
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'64 standard w/2.0L type 4
'62 bug

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