Braided pipe Fuel supply to filter and engine cutting out problems.

Hi all wondering if anyone can help me out.  My MK1 cabrio 1.8 gti 1989 model has stood now for about 18 month not being used so its coming out again this year.  I have read about the filler pipe rust and mine shows signs of it, only slight rust spots when viewed into the filler top end.  I've tried all the usual recs, relay jump still not starting, hall sender wiring looks ok, new dizzy cap and rotor arm.  It starts from cold and runs then cuts after about 10mins.  I have tried to replace my fuel filter but the end that comes inward the braided pipe it slackens off but will not screw out of the cannister????  The other end loosens fine.  Does any one know how to get this pipe out of the filter cannister without damaging the threads on the pipe?  Or if I need to replace this section where can I get hold of one?  Going back to the cutouts, Ive also tried to look into the tank but that flange on the top of the tank is solid, its metal but I am scared to attack it for the anti clock turn.  Any help appreciated.

Are your pumps noisy? If it runs for 10 minutes you must be getting some fuel delivery. You need to get the lift pump out and check it. Give it a spray with some penetrating spray, leave for a bit, and then use a drift or similar with a rubber mallet and give it some 'encouragement' to turn anticlockwise.

New bango bolt but check it's the right one for your car.
To remove the old one can you get anything between the bolt and filter to help lever it out while undoing it in case the threads just need to grip a little?
http://www.classic-vw.co.uk/fuel-pipe--fuel-filter-banjo-bolt-n90358003-8130-p.asp

To gain access to lift pump/sender you need to get a metal bar and hit it with a hammer on the edge to losen it, it only needs to move alittle to remove it.
Pictures.

I use a T bar from my socket set.


You only need to knock it around this far to remove it,


You have to get all this out of the hole so go carefully.


You can then fish about in the tank with a magnet to collect bits of rust then I left my magnet in there to collect anything else.


Check and clean the little filter on the end of the lift pump.

Yes pumps are quite loud.  I'll give that a go LeeO I need to get this off to get at that pickup filter and go fishing in the tank.

I have placed six strong magnets at the bottom of the tank, hope this draws some rust in.  What do you think about the
fuel filter pipe just turning when loosened??  Its still in a sealed position yet I can turn it but it doesn't loosen??  Got me stuck that one.

Just seen Mark1gls post.  Brilliant pics and info mate.  A big help when you see what is inside the tank.  I thought the braided pipe was
all one unit great to know I can get the separate threaded banjo piece.  Once I source a new one I can attack that side.

Cheers for the info lads.

If your main pump is loud it often means it isn't getting enough supply due to lift pump issues. Also check the rubber hoses that connect the lift pump to the sender - modern fuel has more ethanol which attacks the rubber, so it may be particles of hose, not rust that are the problem. As usual Mark is spot on!

good luck!

Just a update.  Car started today and managed about 5 miles without it cutting out, those magnets may have pulled in a lot of rusty bits.  Mark1gls I have ordered that banjo bolt along with 4 new washers from that site, confirmed they would fit first.  Thanks to you and LeeO I will be confident on having a go at the filter and tank at the weekend, cheers lads.

When refitting the lift pump/sender smear a little grease on the rubber O ring so it sticks to the sender as it can move about and not seal the tank also it's easier to remove it next time.

Have a cloth handy when removing the fuel lines as petrol will come out and make sure the car windows and doors are open.
Also be carful not to lose the rubber fuel lines from the inspection hole and you may need new jubilee clips if they not been removed before as VW fitted crimped ones when new, fit fuel pipe jubilee clips (like ones in my pictures) as normal julibee clips will squash one side of the pipe and can cause a fuel leak.

Another update.  Such a nice day thought I'd have a go at the sender unit removal for tank inspection.

With the advice it came off in quick time.  Carefully removed it to find no filter on the end?  Flash light in the tank no sign of it…..its a big tank though with a very restricted view.  A few specs visable not sure what they were?

Piece of wire and a strong magnet, moved it around and picked up nothing.

Will I be able to buy a filter?

Just to finish this one off.  Replaced the main fuel filter with a nice shiney black Mann one.  Old filter clean as a whisle.  I think the fuel must have been contaminated with moisture or on the turn when i've added to it.  Engine now running fine and not cutting out must have all cleared the system.  Still no sign of that pickup filter in the tank though put back in place without it no option.  £24.00 plus delivery for a new pick up pump, think I'll wait till I need one.  If anyone does have a spare or know where I can get hold of the pickup filter please let me know.

Glad it's up and running, the fuel filter does sometimes gets forgot in a service, I change mine every 20,000 miles as you can see in the pictures I have some rust in my tank but it is the original one from 1988.
I'll have a look in a garage to see if I've still got an old lift pump with a filter on as I've been through 4 pumps since I got the car 20 years ago…

Thanks for that Mark1gls.  Also for all of the great advice you gave me.