MK1 GTI Fuel Tank...

Random questions, if you've recently bought a repro. tank may be able to answer some of them.

Relates to a 1983 1.8, from end of production and more or less bog standard, it's likely even the original tank.

Not in bad nick, but going to change it as it's stood in excess of 10 years and there's now a sticky tar like coating on the inside.

Below is a copy of the 7zap schematic.



I'm not finding much in the way of other useful images on-line to compare against.

I understand there are dfferent tanks and that it's the K-Jet. / Diesel one I'm supposedly after.

Have read there is (or was) a swirl pot in these, partly borne out by there being a lidded plastic box affair in mine that the filter (28) sits in. Unfortunately I couldn't get you a good image, but I'd describe it as visiually akin to the one on MK2's, less all the pump gubbins.

The yellowed filter pictured is seated in it.



This repro. tank is from a seller on eBay - I'm guessing it's a view of inside the tank through the fuel level float aperature?



Hard to tell if that's a latter day alternative to a swirl pot, or it's instead just a cup for the filter and there is none.

On those filters... There are replacements available (now blue if it matters) but any images I can find have 'For Diesel Only' molded on them. The mesh in the pics also seems to be much less fine a weave than the original - despite what the adverts say are they suitable?

I've salvaged everything from the old tank, including the flap at (27)... it seems to be a sort of non-return for fuel that enters the tank via the filler pipe. Do modern repro's have this or do you re-use the original?

It's got it's own part number and was relatively easily removed.

Also, the bracket at (1D)... is it on all tanks whether GTI or not, I may be missing it?

 

Cheers...

From what I can find there doesn't seem to be many (if any) different brands of repro. tank available.

Two names I've seen are Blic and Prasco, but possible just one and the same?

I know you can't obviously rely on pictures alone, but it does seem to be the same makers mark on the VWHeritage, VW Classic Parts and various eBay / other sellers images.

That being the case and they're all pretty much the same thing, there's no point choosing one seller / make over another other than on price.

To clarify then... repros. don't have a swirl pot and that has the knock on effect of making the in tank filter redundant?

Leaves me wondering that if presumably VW fitted both for a reason, is there potential for a problem / what's a get around - putting an in-line filter before the pump for example, to compensate?

 

I was talking to Heritage just after my last post, more to sound them out about why they've 2 x tanks for the GTI with one being noticibly cheaper than the other.

If I've understood correctly the cheaper one's made for them in the UK, didn't mention who that was other than to say they also make panels for them.

The more expensive one is EU made (possibly Forst, but I maybe misheard then got side tracked so didn't think to go back and ask again)

Bottom line was neither have a swirl pot and there's nothing to filter fuel before it reaches the pump.

Not fitting any of this anytime soon, so no urgency, but would like to know if someone has installed a workable solution.

Got a new Bosch pump and the last thing I want is risking damaging it.

 

Have since been reading other things on the inter-web (so must be true!), and though not specific to MK1's they are for similar set ups in older vehicles.

For every case for pre pump filters put you'll find someone who advocates the exact opposite

People talking about how fuel pumps can handle the debris and it's the filter after it that's more important. Others saying filters before the pump strains them causing premature failure... don't know what to think.

At the moment I'm going to assume the repro. tanks and lack of filter don't cause problems... I think Hertiage said they've been selling their own for over 8 years without any known issues which must count for something.

Thanks for the input, all food for thought!

 

Surprised someone hasn't considered making a straight swop replacement plastic one, maybe a market for them?

Side issue of no swirl pot could possibly be the potential for fuel starvation under heavy braking / cornering etc... only speculating.

Filler neck will need replaced also, had looked at Crazy Quiffs stainless ones and I'm sure they're a fair price for what you're getting but unfortunately every penny matters for me.

Then I wondered too what the wisdom of fitting an upgraded neck to a standard steel tank was as well.