Fuel feed pipe (tank to filter) replacement
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littlepolo
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Fuel feed pipe (tank to filter) replacement
I've managed to damage the connector at the filter end. I now have a replacement feed pipe and have tried to feed it through without any success. It seems there is clearance at the entry point by the pump and by the filter but the gap by the edge of the tank (which cannot be seen) is too tight. I'm reluctant to pull too hard in case I damage the new pipe. Is it necessary to lower the tank to gain clearance? If so, how far does it need to be lowered and what needs to be undone to achieve that (the filler pipe assembly from the filler neck seems like rigid plastic)?
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RUM4MO
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Re: Fuel feed pipe (tank to filter) replacement
Ah, bother!
That is mainly why I never got round to replacing the filter/reg assembly on my wife's 2002Polo 1.4 BBY, what you should have bought, or been sold is a "hose repair kit" - after reading too many bad tales of woe about this, I bought a repair kit or two for when I eventually got round to replacing that filter - and I never!
I'm guessing here that you damaged part of the "push on" connector.
That is mainly why I never got round to replacing the filter/reg assembly on my wife's 2002Polo 1.4 BBY, what you should have bought, or been sold is a "hose repair kit" - after reading too many bad tales of woe about this, I bought a repair kit or two for when I eventually got round to replacing that filter - and I never!
I'm guessing here that you damaged part of the "push on" connector.
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littlepolo
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Re: Fuel feed pipe (tank to filter) replacement
I was working outside on a rainy day so conditions did not help. Difficult to see the feed pipe connector which is at the top/back.
Anyway, before feeding the connector/pipe I taped up the ends and smeared them with vaseline, then attached a strong nylon cord (about 3 or 4mm thick). I found that if you undo the two tank strap bolts, lever the strap loose, and then undo the retaining bolt on the o/s it is just about enough to get the connector through so it is visible from below. The bolts were undone down to about the last thread or two. I used a piece of timber (about 10mm thick) to lever the tank sideways, which has some movement with the bolts undone, just enough to reach up with long nose pliers and pull the connector down (it was snagging a bit on the cord). I've decided to replace the return pipe too because the connector seems just a bit too sticky and I don't want to risk having a leak and then having to do this all again.
It is a pain to do, but like always when you find a way it's not that bad.
After I get this done I intend to have a close look at the old filter.
Anyway, before feeding the connector/pipe I taped up the ends and smeared them with vaseline, then attached a strong nylon cord (about 3 or 4mm thick). I found that if you undo the two tank strap bolts, lever the strap loose, and then undo the retaining bolt on the o/s it is just about enough to get the connector through so it is visible from below. The bolts were undone down to about the last thread or two. I used a piece of timber (about 10mm thick) to lever the tank sideways, which has some movement with the bolts undone, just enough to reach up with long nose pliers and pull the connector down (it was snagging a bit on the cord). I've decided to replace the return pipe too because the connector seems just a bit too sticky and I don't want to risk having a leak and then having to do this all again.
It is a pain to do, but like always when you find a way it's not that bad.
After I get this done I intend to have a close look at the old filter.
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littlepolo
- Gold Member
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- Joined: Thu Jul 21, 2011 9:47 pm
Re: Fuel feed pipe (tank to filter) replacement
Pipes now replaced.
Just a follow up on a few details in case anyone is in the situation where they need to replace the fuel pipes (feed and return).
I found that it is easier to pull the pipe diagonally towards the rear o/s corner of the fuel tank. This route appears to offer a bit more clearance than trying to get over the edge where the pipe would drop into its resting place. I'm not convinced this would be easy without lowering the fuel tank a bit as described above. It might be possible but I'd not want to put that much strain on the pipe.
If you tape the ends of the pipes remember to remove the tape before you click the pipes into the guides and fit the connectors (otherwise it's a fiddle working in a restricted space).
As for the connectors, I also purchased fuel pipe pliers. These are OK if you have plenty of space, but the wide shoulders of the pliers make it difficult to use in restricted spaces. If you are careful enough, you can use the blade of a small screwdriver to depress the connector (it requires very little force). I did not have these when I removed the old pipes and they might have saved all the trouble if I had them.
Just a follow up on a few details in case anyone is in the situation where they need to replace the fuel pipes (feed and return).
I found that it is easier to pull the pipe diagonally towards the rear o/s corner of the fuel tank. This route appears to offer a bit more clearance than trying to get over the edge where the pipe would drop into its resting place. I'm not convinced this would be easy without lowering the fuel tank a bit as described above. It might be possible but I'd not want to put that much strain on the pipe.
If you tape the ends of the pipes remember to remove the tape before you click the pipes into the guides and fit the connectors (otherwise it's a fiddle working in a restricted space).
As for the connectors, I also purchased fuel pipe pliers. These are OK if you have plenty of space, but the wide shoulders of the pliers make it difficult to use in restricted spaces. If you are careful enough, you can use the blade of a small screwdriver to depress the connector (it requires very little force). I did not have these when I removed the old pipes and they might have saved all the trouble if I had them.