Volks, After finally getting the correct fillerneck seal (after a three week wait and then getting the wrong seal I ordered it from the local VW dealer and had it in a few days) I dropped the fuel tank on the 81 Westy this weekend and installed new seals, grommets and ventilation hoses. Everything was new except the fuel gauge seal and the pressure equalization hose and tees. Dropping the fuel tank and reinstalling it really isn't such a bad job, once you understand how everything works. But of course, just like most other kinds of experience, once you get it the need is almost always gone. Well things were cooking along pretty well, did all the honey do's, and still had time to get everything back together before dark on Sunday afternoon. I was just proud as punch, after making sure all 24 of those 5/8 inch screw clamps were nice and tight, I put the two gallons of gas that I had drained out of the tank back in and she cranked just a pretty as you please. I had even remembered to hook the gas gauge back up. So, I went in, cleaned up and had the celebratory beer or four. I wish I could stop here and tell you all that things were great with the Westy and brag about what a great mechanic I am. But, no one promised me it would be easy, this Vanagon ownership thing and at least, now I do know how to drop a gas tank......experience is a great thing. Well, now I'm at the corner Conoco pumping that baby just as full as I could get her, after all I did have new seals and grommets. Waltzed right in and paid for my $19.00 worth of 87 octane dead dinosaur juice and then, half way back to the Vanagon I saw it, but it couldn't be, probably just a wet spot on the pavement, AC condensation from the last land yacht to fill up, I knew it couldn't be gas leaking from my beloved Vanagon, not with new seals and grommets. But it was, leaking like hell. I could feel gasoline around the tank grommet that is just beneath the drivers seat. As this is the highest point on that side of the tank, logic tells me it has to be coming from the tee or the grommet. The grommet is new so I think it is the tee. Am I on the right track, is there anything else I should look for first. Hellllllp. Thanks in advance for the great advise I always get from this list. Ron Hill Macon GA 81 Westy PS: I can't wait until I get enough of that experience to respond to some of the questions from guys like me. |
Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of
Vanagon mail messages have been archived. Searching the entire collection
will take up to five minutes to complete. Please be patient!
Return to the archives @ gerry.vanagon.com
The vanagon mailing list archives are copyright (c) 1994-2011, and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the list administrators. Posting messages to this mailing list grants a license to the mailing list administrators to reproduce the message in a compilation, either printed or electronic. All compilations will be not-for-profit, with any excess proceeds going to the Vanagon mailing list.
Any profits from list compilations go exclusively towards the management and operation of the Vanagon mailing list and vanagon mailing list web site.