Replace Mk1 Golf air filter (1.8lt injected engine)

Replace Mk1 Golf air filter (1.8lt injected engine)

This is pretty easy, cheap and necessary to do every so often. This is done on a 1.8lt injected Mk1 Golf. Carburetor models are different.

The airfilter is located under the fuel injection system and, while no visible, is pretty easy to access. You just need to unclip and lift off the fuel injection system to access the filter's housing. You do not need to disconnect the fuel injection hoses to do this.

  • Approx. time: 10 minutes
  • Approx cost: $25 AUD

You'll need

  • A new filter (I used this one from Heritage Parts - part number: 112 133 0002, 049133843
  • A screwdriver or 7mm socket
  • A large flat-head screwdriver to pry clips (optional)

Step 1 - Remove the air intake and breather tubes from the injection system

Use a screw driver or 7mm socket to remove the tube out of the way. This just makes lifting the fuel injection unit out of the more easy.

Air intake hose connections

Step 2 - Unclip the injection system from the top of the air filter housing

There are 4 metal clips, one in each corner, holding the fuel injection system to the top of the air filter housing. These can be removed by hand but a large screw driver can help to pry them off. You may need to remove the battery to access some of them.

Unclip metal clips

 

Step 3 - Carefully lift the fuel injection system up out of the way and slide the old air filter out

The fuel injection system is now only attached with the threaded fuel line affording it some degree of maneuverability. Carefully lift it up to reveal the old air filter, then slide the old air filter up and out of the housing.

Remove old air filter Mk1 Golf

Step 4 - Install the new air filter

This is the reverse of the above. The orange rim of the air filter faces upwards. Be careful not to crush the filter when inserting it and be sure to check if any of the clips are getting in the way. When everything is in place and the air filter is 'level' in its housing, clip the injector unit back into place.

Install new air filter

Finishing up

Replace the breather and air intake hoses.

Since we've been moving the fuel lines around it's worth checking these are not leaking (it's very unlikely anything is wrong, but they could be old and worn). 

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