[Vwdiesel] Fuel filters, spec's, lifespan.

[Sandy Cameron]

When I got in to burning various waste oils, old furnace oil, veggie, etc, I
was concerned about this stuff plugging up the expensive volks OEM filter
before it's time, which , I am sure is spec'ed to do the job right.

I checked the local FLAPS (cTc) for an in-line filter of reasonable price,
reasonable size, and compatible 5/16" spiggot size, to insert in the line
before the VW filter, and serve as a cheap throw-away protection to extend
the service life of the expensive OEM filter.

What is the suggested life of that filter anyway? Years, Miles, Kms?

The pre-filter I am using at present is a GKI GF61M, Wix equivalent, 33032,
Fram G2 or G12.
These are all gas filters but fit physically with little fuss, come with 2
bits of 2" long hose and clamps, and are easy "roadside replacement" items.
Like Rolf, I see roadside repairs far prefferable to calling "Bob the hook",
and a few of these little filters in the trunk are good insurance. And, by
gosh, the price is right, 99c US

What I could NOT find out on the net, or from the suppliers, is what's
inside. Is it just a wide place in the fuel line, or does it realy provide
some filtering?
Nowhere could I find any specs on flow rates, micron rating, etc. It's like
they don't want to have us find out.

I would like to find out if they really provide protection and extend the
service life of the VW filter.

I have been running one in front of the main filter in the 87 jetta for more
than a year, burning 50% veggie, and it has not plugged yet.

I did, however, have a little adventure with the 94 the other day, steaming
back from the camp, a 1.6 hour trip, it started to get sluggish at 60mph,
and I noticed the temp rising.
Fearing the worst, I peeled of at the next exit and it stalled at the stop
sign. Checked the oil, OK, coolant, OK, waited a while and got it running
again...maxi-bubbles in the fuel line.

tried to sneak home on the back roads, but didn't make it, limped into a
farm supply store and bought a little plastic lawnmower filter with
appropriate sized spiggots, disconnected the OEM, and inserted the toy in
it's place.

Drove home with no further trouble. 

There was no pre-filter in the line before the OEM

The OEM was purchased 7 or 8 years ago, and had at least 100,000 km on it,
maybe 100,000 miles. 

It was running 50% filtered veggie for the last 3 months

End game:
What are the filtering specs of in-line gas filters?
What is the expected life of the OEM filter, and it's filtration specs?

My hope is to run with the pre-filter, carry spares for quick roadside
replacement when plugged, and continue to enjoy half-priced fuel with
minimum work.

Sandy