whats up, just picked up an 86 jetta gli wolfsburg edition for free because it doenst run. the guy that gave it to me said he thinks its the fuel pump, and after checking into it i find out there is 2 fuel pumps. has anyone ever had to do this on one of these, and if so which one usually goes bad first the in-tank one or in-line one? any help would be appreciated.

 

the in line exterior pump is the work horse and may make 150,000 plus miles ..located under the chassis by the rear wheels...the pre-pump is a small plug in electronic unit... the size of a D-cell battery mounted on the float set up in the gas tank...that will go much sooner....if you have other issues you may burn out pumps faster...the exterior pump is a 350 dollar item and fits in to a fuel strainer that seats in a fuel box...with a fuel accumulator mounted on one side and the life time fuel filter on the other...the unit runs from a snap on 2 prong plug...back to the battery...the in tank pre pump unit draws gas up into the fuel box and into the inline main pump ...on up to the fuel cell distributor under the hood...both units must be working properly...and be ware...the in line main pump may sound like its spinning and running..but may not be functioning in the gas emersion...it has to pump submerged in gas and generate at least 35psi or better or you're screwed....this is a pressure system so air and pressure regulate fuel.....it basically sucks and was the invention boner of the century by the master race...this is not your porsche design, though similar, porsche added reliability...where VW and fu*#&#^ing ****'s created this mess!...you have a number of systems that will quit with no warning and with no chance of fixing the problem with out diognostics....as you can't run by passes if you have electrical issues because it is a mechanical/pressure system....the greatest blow of the last 100 yrs....do not fall in love with this car....or the mystique...these cars are only designed for the expert car guys and crack mechanics who own them...you will die broke and make these guys rich in the process...in the end you have a VW nothing more ...certainly not a classic porsche and absolutely not built for reliability or hard driving!

 

thanks for the detailed reply, it sounds like it was a good thing I got this turd for free. thanks again and i'll see if i can chase down the problem without giving an arm and a leg away

 

hey man where do you live if u dont want that jetta i'll take it off your hands

 

I live in Akron, OH, make me an offer I cant refuse...

 

send pics to mhogan0@excite.com

 

send me a private message i have the complete repair manual i'll upload it to you

 

cant seem to catch you, deezmnutz@yahoo.com