Author Topic: What is this and why is fule driping (Read 4909 times)

thedart · « **on:** September 01, 2008, 03:38:40 pm »

I'm sure you'll all know what I'm talking about, My girlfriends 89 Jetta has this box looking thing just under the right hand side rear passenger door in front of the fuel tank, there is a twist knob/valve that can be turned and fuel drains from a small spout, I noticed she was leaving puddles of fuel in the driveway had a look under the car noticed this box thing dripping fuel I figured I would turn the knob see if it was just a little lose and fuel poured out faster turned it back to where it was and it slowed down but still dripping. Also the knob can just be pulled off? Fuel really pours out then. What is this thing and how do i stop it from leaking all over the place?

Op-Ivy · « **Reply #1 on:** September 01, 2008, 03:48:46 pm »

The box you are talking about is a water catcher and it is meant to remove water from the fuel.

To drain it, you turn that knob. Try to tighten it back up and it may stop leaking.

Many people here don't use them anymore. They remove and bypass it and simply run without. I still have mine but if it were to go I would bypass it as well.

Good to see yet another dieseler from the Okanagan!

Matt

thedart · « **Reply #2 on:** September 01, 2008, 03:52:08 pm »

Ahhh its a water separator now I get it! :wink: but that solves my what is it question now i need to stop it from leaking does not matter where I move the drain valve I still get a diesel fuel drip?

thedart · « **Reply #3 on:** September 01, 2008, 03:58:30 pm »

Ok bypassing sounds like a good option is there a how to section someone could direct/link me to on doing this bypass? I'm going to go out on a limb guessing that possibly a plastic union of some sort and a couple gear clamps between the two rubber supply lines might work??

Vincent Waldon · « **Reply #4 on:** September 01, 2008, 04:55:41 pm »

You got it... in the immortal words of Shel Buzzey "it's just that easy".

Well, you also need to snip and insulate the wiring... don't cut the fuel gauge wiring which is right there as well, and insulate the old wires well so that they don't get wet and make your glow plug light drive you crazy.

fatmobile · « **Reply #5 on:** September 02, 2008, 12:03:47 am »

When you disconnect the line from the tank; fuel will syphen until the tank is dry.
Either disconnect it at the sender or pinch the fuel line.

thedart · « **Reply #6 on:** September 02, 2008, 07:10:44 am »

Quote from: "fatmobile"

When you disconnect the line from the tank; fuel will syphen until the tank is dry.
Either disconnect it at the sender or pinch the fuel line.

I figured I was going to have to work fast in order not to drain all the fuel, was thinking of just capping the fuel line with a plug I'll have to see what I have? pinching it shut might be a good idea maybe some taped up vice grip to avoid damaging the rubber hose? Also was wondering if anyone has used a piece or steel fuel line as a union between the rubber hoses for this bypass? I'm not exactly sure what size of rubber hose is on top of the water separator.

Smokey Eddy · « **Reply #7 on:** September 04, 2008, 11:16:58 am »

mine's in a dump somewhere

Try to plug the lines as best you can so it doesn't take so long to prime once you get it back together. I found screws that worked nicely.
the hoses are frustrating sizes. If i recall i didnt use any connecting pieces i just rammed a rubber hose into the two ends i was joining. I get air into my filter now so i'm going to do a proper job when i have the time

dieseldubber · « **Reply #8 on:** September 12, 2008, 08:23:14 pm »

I had the same problem when I first got my car. Maybe I was lucky but I bought a knew knob or cap (whatever) and it hasn't leaked since.