New to Forum and VW

[vanbcguy]

Everyone has a different opinion. Myself I would remove it as it always leaks and causes more problems. That said, you could install a functional one if you were worried about water in its place.

That's basically my point... A Racor filter with an integral water sensor will do a better job filtering your fuel, give you the water in fuel alert and won't screw you over by letting air in.  If I was going to bolt something on to my car that wasn't there currently, a 20 year old factory separator that has a solid history of giving false alarms and causing fuel leaks would not be my choice.  Actually I'm adding that to my TDI build parts list now!!

[92EcoDiesel Jetta]

................................................... A Racor filter with an integral water sensor will do a better job filtering your fuel, give you the water in fuel alert and won't screw you over by letting air in. .......................................

Now you're talking! I was reading somewhere about a late model Mercedes Bluetec needing the entire fuel system replaced to the tune of $5K due to rust in the fuel system, not covered by warranty! Don't know if the Mercedes has a water in fuel warning or not. My guess is not.

What about late model Ford and Cummins diesel trucks? Do they have a water in fuel warning system?

[sixb]

Yes the Cummins and my old Chevy diesels have the water in fuel indicator and I've never gotten an alarm ever. I like the Racor idea and will have to look into that a bit more.
I finally got a chance to see what's up with the water separator and well last fall when I purchased the vehicle I had a local body shop spray the under carriage with a protective coating to help prevent rust in the future and it looks like they coated the cap pretty good. I did unscrew it all the way and fuel did come out, didn't notice any water either.
I had to unplug the ac compressor in order to use the defrost this winter so I didn't going crazy with the shacking. I will also be looking into the motor mounts when the weather warms up a bit. It would be nice if I don't have to replace the compressor yet.

[wolf_walker]

the a/c thing; the a/c shakes the engine some at idle but excessive shaking could be your motor mounts. they may want changing.
as far as the fuel i've in the past 5-7 years had a bad load of fuel, i always go to a station i know. not just a random station or cos of a lower price.

I like to add a fan-on light and a manual toggle to kill the AC comp when the defroster is on for my VW-D's.  The AC switch helps a lot in town with a NA 1.6L, especially with tired motor mounts.

[8v-of-fury]

A light to show you the rad fan is on?? Should be stupid simple to wire up, In either of your cars in the sig the wiring will be in the cabin from the fuse box.

Just tap a small gauge wire in to the rad fans power and have a LED indicator somewhere in the dash.

[92EcoDiesel Jetta]

Yes the Cummins and my old Chevy diesels have the water in fuel indicator and I've never gotten an alarm ever. .............................

That's because you are lucky and never got a batch of bad fuel. I hope you are not saying that because you never got an alarm that the water in fuel warning system is not needed.

[8v-of-fury]

I had some bad fuel last month.. In Canada.. where water in the fuel at -20c would be a serious issue.. PLUS I got it from a truck stop on our province's main highway..

Our fuel is top notch and still has water in it..

Water detection is a must. I got totally stranded on a fresh fuel filter..