Hey folks,

I just bought a 1982 VW Jetta with a VO system already installed. It is an Elsbett. Everything is working fine, but the previous owner said the Elsbett filter costs 70 bucks a pop. Does anybody know of a good place to buy Elsbett filters?

They sold it because after they moved, they can't find any WVO supplies. For days when I don't need my F-250, this will save me a lot on my supplies.

-Jack

Not sure what filter you have but my Els. uses a Mahle KX-35. A friend claimed to be able to cross reference it to ??? from Auto PartsGiant.com

It does cross-reference to Caterpillar and others.
http://www.mannol.de/Catalogue/Filter_SCT/11010.html

You can install a cheap $5 gas filter inline before the main filter but after the fuel heater. It helps.

How is your conversion working?

I know this is a bit late.

My Elsbett conversion kit is still in the box.

I always thought the Elsbett fuel filter looked a bit hokey.

The problem is that their filter is about 3 1/8" in diameter, and the "stock" Racor type filter is about 3" in diameter. They supply a proprietary electric heat transfer ring that goes around the filter to provide inline heat.

A couple of options you might consider:

1 - put 2 filters in series, with the first cheaper filter to clean out most of the gunk, and the Elsbett filter to provide the pre-heating

2 - make a copper shim to go between the Elsbett preheater and a "stock" Racor style VW filter cartridge. Perhaps move it to an easily accessible location. Note, the Racor Style filter has a large aluminum block on top that would act as a heat sink. Perhaps that is the reason Elsbett chose a proprietary filter that clamps on like an in-line filter.

3 - consider adding injection line heaters like offered in other kits, or made with stainless steel wire.

Note, I have seen comments about supplementing the Elsbett system with tank heaters and injection line heaters.

I was just browsing on the internet, and found this: $9.99 + $6 shipping, and he will combine shipping.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...fPartsQ5fAccessories

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...fPartsQ5fAccessories



Seller: prothe
Store: http://stores.ebay.com/prothe

I've sent a note requesting more info from the seller, but outwardly, this looks similar to to the Elsbett filter.

Thanks for the link and pics keelec.
Yes it does look lik ethe Elsbett filter, which is probably just a std VW filter.

My 6 year old Elsbett backup filter probably needs replacing even though it has less than 1000 miles on it. I only use it when the main filter plugs up, or during very cold days in January.

Re: Option 1: Pre-filter
I've used these for 6 years. my new commute allows 80-90 mph on hills. I use 100% of the TDI's power. I found the prefilter was reducing fuel flow a little and I have more power now without it.

All of my VW's have a "Racor Style" cartridge filter. But, perhaps some VW's... somewhere came with these inline filters.

However... I asked the seller for the diameter and the micron rating of the filter... and got a most unique answer back.

quote:

It has been our experience when customers ask these sort of questions we do not have what you are needing.

- prothe

It is obvious that the seller doesn't want to go out of their way to make a sale... or perhaps multiple sales.

It looks like a stock replacement filter that would fit an 85 golf diesel.