Diesel fuel filter removal

Passatguy · 25-10-2007,06:10 PM

Hi everyone, very first post ... on any site... ever . Here goes.
I have a passat tdi 115 and want to change the fuel filter. I have searched the forum and seen the "how to" section but my particular issue is how to remove, what i have been told is the fuel cooler on top of the fuel filter. The Haynes manual says just unscrew the central bolt, but with what. I have been to Halfords and my local motor factors and asked them what size and type of fitting it is. A very helpful lad at Halfords tried every type of torx, allen and other key he had in the store and said that he didn't know what it was. His efforts were above and beyond the call of duty. Have looked for a tool on e bay... nothing

. I have tried all of my limited collection of tools to no avail.It will not budge because i cannot get enough pressure on the bolt with a screwdriver etc. Does any kind soul know how to get this fuel cooler off with a reasonably priced tool that i can purchase, to get at the filter.

Any advice would be welcome.

Passatguy · 25-10-2007,10:17 PM

Hi again,
Can anyone help with the above and advise me what type of tool i need to use to remove the fuel cooler attached to the fuel filter on my 2000 tdi 115. Pretty PLEEEEAAAASSSSSEEEE

**devonutopia** · 25-10-2007,10:49 PM

Well, if it's not torx or an allen key, the only driver left is a star drive. These usually come in M4, M6, M8 sizes, but I've not seen this fuel cooler before. In my fabia I just have to undo 4 fuel pipe clamps, pull them off, whip out filter, drop new one in, reattach hoses, prime fuel a couple of times to fill the filter - and off I go.

Passatguy · 25-10-2007,11:16 PM

Many thanks for your suggestion devonutopia. The angle sides of this recess are not acute, like a star, but more open like an allen key angle ... and yet the allen key does not fit exactly, no matter what size is used.

I think that i will have to go cap in hand to the ******* tomorrow.
Will post result for all if i have any luck.
Thank you for your reply.

Passatguy · 26-10-2007,10:11 AM

Telephoned dealer regarding this item on top of my fuel filter requesting a tool to undo the bolt. He said that they don't sell any tools to carry out work on vw cars!!

Rang another dealer who was particularly helpful and he stated that he had not seen this setup very often. The filter is in two parts, filter itself and a top section into which several pipes go.It is secured to the main filter by a 16mm Banto bolt (Not heard of until this morning). He did not sell a removal tool but could replace the central securing bolt for about £5. He suggested i ring a specialist tool company. Don't know any so rang Halfords. They contacted their specialist tool people and said that they sell fuel filter removal kits for various cars but not this set up and could not supply a 16mm banto bolt removal tool.

The Halfords rep suggested I contact a forum to see if anyone could help !!

I find this whole thing extraordinary. Am i the only person out there with this set up. This is a bulk standard year 2000 PD 115 bhp saloon car.

Anyone know where i can get a tool to remove a 16mm banto bolt please.

**doug.howsie** · 26-10-2007,10:33 AM

See if the center of the the screw head has a small point in the middle, that prevents the the allen or torx , bit from full fitting the head . You would then need to use a allen key or torx bit with a center hole.

I noticed that the MAF sensor uses one of these to secure it the air pipe. ( which you don't need to remove ) .

Maplins do 2 complete torx and allen key kit, with almost every type of fitting. ( know as a Tamper Proof Torx-Type ) The sell for about £20.

Hope that helps.

Passatguy · 26-10-2007,11:00 AM

Thank you for your suggestion doug.howsie. missus currently has the car, but from memory, i' m certain that the inside base of this banto bolt has a flat bottom to it, no recess and no protrusion upwards.

Will ask at my nearest maplins re the tools though for future jobs... had forgotten that they sold this type of stuff.

Any additional suggestions would be most welcome.

**chrisvrscrx** · 26-10-2007,11:39 AM

Put some pics up so we can have a look!

Passatguy · 26-10-2007,01:54 PM

The missus has the car for the day but i have found a pic of the item in the Haynes manual.
DSC00116.jpg
If this has worked ok there is an attachment file here.

The 16mm "Banto bolt ", that apparently secures the fuel cooler at the top the the body of the fuel filter beneath is indicated.

Someone out there knows what to use to get this bolt off,,, don't they ?