Diesel Filter / Water Separator

[silentdub]

I searched and found a few threads that said a water separator wasn't necessary.

I am dropping a N/A 1.6 in to a 90 Jetta which is currently a gas car.


I see that there are all types of universal filters out there that I can use. My questions are:


What size filter is required 30 micron? 20 Micron?

Is there a need for an additional Water Separator? from what I read on here, the answer is No.

If anyone has a link to a cheap universal setup that works, I'd be happy to take a look.

[bajacalal]

Use a filter that is also a water separator with a water drain. I don't think there is a need for a separate water filter though, a lot of the mk2 VWs came with these, but I think they are not necessary now like the were in the 80s when you were more likely to get a handful of water with your diesel.

I think that the stock mk1 VW Rabbit diesel fuel filter mount will accept other non-VW fuel filters, like a NAPA 3472 IIRC which is a spin-on fuel filter with a drain. Actually, I would go to a NAPA and ask to see their Filter Reference catalog which should have a section in the back that talks about universal diesel fuel filter kits.

[Baron VonZeppelin]

If you have an Mk1 or Mk2 factory diesel fuel filter mount assembly - most all replacement fuel filters (all that i have seen) for those have water drains on the bottom of the filter.

Quality Mk1 filters about $10-15

Quality Mk2 filters about $20-45

In the USA thats really all the water separation you'll need.
Canada or abroad ... maybe go for better.

I try to remember to drain my Mk2's water separator under the car and the one on the fuel filter about every 6 months or so - just because. But never had a drop of water come out of any of them.

[Patrick]

In the USA thats really all the water separation you'll need.
Canada or abroad ... maybe go for better.

Huh? Care to explain? AFAIK, the refinery 40 miles from my place (in Canada) ships as much fuel across the border as it sells here. Same fuel, same (or better) tanks at the stations.....  
HUH?
Just use a standard diesel vw setup and you'll be fine without the water separator at the back. YOu can probably take the brackets to hold it out of the car you got the engine from, and the studs are there already to bolt it to.

[Baron VonZeppelin]

I don't know the quality control in canada ... or abroad.
Only know the level of it in USA.
And didn't look to see where original poster was from.

About half the canadian and abroad members complain about fuel quality on a regular basis. So was covering those bases just in case. 

[Patrick]

Sorry, I got a little defensive... I used to truck, and the only time I had fuel problems was filling the truck in the south and then driving in the north in the winter... I never had gelled fuel but I know others that did. I just had ice in the bottom of the fuel filter cutting off fuel supply! Always figured it was s condensation problem.

[silentdub]

I would have used the filter and mount from the MK1, but I think I tossed it. This 1.6 came out of an 85, and I know I didn't save the filter or mount.

I figure I'll pick up a universal. I not only need the filter, but I need the mount too.

[Baron VonZeppelin]

The easiest and cleanest install would be to buy an mk2 diesel filter mount bracket.

Then use the 85-87 style OEM type filters.

The 88-92 style OEM uses a T'ed fitting on the return line that is troublesome sometimes - and i've yet to test a used one that functioned properly. Out of 4 specimens.

It is supposed to recirculate fuel to the filter instead of sending it back to the tank - in cold weather - until fuel comes up to certain temp. I'm not sure if the thermostatic T's are still available new or not.

[Patrick]

They're available but not cheap from the stealerships. Bought a couple aftermarket through an altrom dealer for a LOT less money.

[lovinthedeez]

I have a mk1 filter mount if you want it. mk2's have the studs already to mount it. my mk1 motor into a mk2 conv.
http://www.vwdiesel.net/forum/index.php?topic=19324.0
good luck, it's not all that hard