Volhv

Just pulled mine out. It was original... date on it is 1998. 237000 miles and no one changed it?

Did not need to displace tank, remove tripple square bolt, or cut strap. Just grabbed it with pliers after disconnecting bottom banjo bolt, and pulled down while wiggling.

Volhv

A ground down 6 mm Allen bit on a offset bit driver will easily remove the tripple square bolt.




Now, it looks like I'll have to hit the junk yard, as the lower banjo fitting is weeping where it connects to the hose.

Highmile

I can't believe nobody catches the fuel filter during tune ups. I recently had a '96 12v with 242,XXX miles come by the shop, and you guessed it, original fuel filter! My folks bought a 2003 3.0 with 160k and I pulled an original fuel filter out of that one too.

I had intermitent hesitation and bouncing idle in my '99 1.8t. $20 to replace a 148,000 mile old fuel filter and no issues since.

Volhv

Barely anyone does maintenance to their cars. Heck, some don't even do oil changes!

I pulled the spark plugs out, as I was getting some hesitation/coughing under load. Gap was 45 thou.

Timing belt? That thing was hard plastic.

Prospeeder

Thats because fuel filters almost never need changed. Its soooo rare, fuel is very clean, and most fuel tanks are plastic, so nothing to rust or contaminate the system. Im sure most cars go to wrecking yards with 200k+ on them original fuel filter. I have yet to have a single modern-ish gas car come in with a fuel filter causing a problem. Replacing them is a waste of time and as you found out on some cars it creates leaks if they have plastic lines. Some manufactures integrate them into the pump or tank because its just not a necessary thing to replace anymore.