fuel pump/filter assembly

[garyinwestoz]

Is there a correct way in which the fuel pump/ fuel filter assembly is orientated.

Ive just pulled apart an assembly due to cracked fuel hoses, and re-assembled it back the way it was, but feel that the hose is too close to the output shaft.
I have another assembley here and it has a different arrangement.

fuel pump assembly diagram



fuel pump out of car - just a rubber hose between pump and filter



that pump assembly cleaned up and installed - hose is very close to the output shaft

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a spare pump assembly I have - it has a metal tube between filter to pump which would be No 4 in diagram



My 77 528i is different - it has 2 filters

[canada karl]

On some E12's it appears that at some point the PO has moved the filter up to the left front side of the engine area because it would be easier to change. I've seen this on a couple of cars but ideally the filter should be "before " the pump to prevent the crap at the bottom of the gas tank from getting into the pump.
You can run your pump filter closer to the pump. You don' have to locate it that close to the output shaft.

[Lock]

I've done that, moved the filter to the front left by the battery, it's easier to change and doesn't get too hot. I don't like the tangle of lines running every which way by the pump, it feels like an afterthrought on a chassis designed for a carburettor. There's a F5 FAQ on fuel hoses and you're supposed to buy BMW right-angle hoses which makes it cleaner.
There's also a sock filter in the tank that is always recommended to clean or replace when replacing the fuel pump, and you'll want new seals if you take it out. I changed out the lift pump and inspected the sock and the tank but it was rust-free and there wasn't any visible dirt on the sock. Unusual for 30+ years but maybe it's all been sucked thought the pump into the after-pump filter.

[garyinwestoz]

I ended up using the metal extender from my spare fuel pump assembly with a short bit of new hose.


ie this one


clears the half shafts nicely now.



but I agree - looks to me that the arrangement could be made better - I wonder if the Alpina improved the layout?