Two Fuel filters?

The smaller white filter Is a cheaper one that can be replaced more often So that you don't have to replace the expensive one As often. Please check out Vanagon.com. It's a great community of Vanagon enthusiasts with a lot of tech advice.

I know this reply is a bit late however I wanted to reply. Prior to 1986 (maybe late 1985) VW used the small white square fuel filter and it was in line before the fuel pump (between the tank and the pump) 1986 and later used the larger metal canister type of fuel filter and it was placed after the fuel pump (between the pump and the engine). Folks with pre-86 Vanagons will often upgrade to the newer larger metal can filter. Some decide to leave the plastic filter in place as well. When the do that I've most often seen the plastic square filter pre-fuel pump and the metal canister filter post-fuel pump. I've never seen both filters on the same side of the pump. I would guess what you are seeing on your van is the work of a previous owner. It's OK that both filters are there - but that was not the stock set up.

It has two fuel filters because the tank line to filter is 7mm and the fuel pump line is 12 mm so if you upgrade to metal filter canister which is both 7mm on the inlet and outlet you have to have an adaptor 7mm to 12mm which would cost about $20 so if you use the old box filter which has a 7mm inlet and 12 mm outlet then it will also serve as an adaptor you can actually drill the inner part so it will just serve as an adaptor instead of filter ...because you already have the metal canister which would run 30,000 miles before replacement.