Date:         Thu, 21 Feb 2002 12:12:34 -0800
Reply-To:     Aaron Reams <aaron@INTERVAL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Aaron Reams <aaron@INTERVAL.COM>
Subject:      Gas Tank Removal and Rinsing
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Hi Everyone,

I just purchased my first Westy ('85) a few weeks ago.   I started out by
tuning her up some ( coolant flush, timing, plugs, brakes, etc...) and then
I took a short road trip.  Towards the end of the trip she started seriously
losing power.   So, I checked some things and ended up changing the fuel
filter.  The gas that came out of the filter and line had a significant
amount of black grit in it.  After changing the fuel filter things seemed
okay.

Upon further inspection after I got home, I realized that the drivers side
expansion tank valve was missing and the expansion tank was full of road
grit.  So I imagine the gas tank is fairly contaminated also.   Well to make
a long story short, it's a week later and I'm starting to lose power again.
I'm guessing the fuel filter may already be starting to clog.

Since I live in the city, I don't really have a good place to do such a
messy job.  I'm thinking of taking it to a mechanic for this one.  Do you
all think I should replace the entire tank with a new one, or do you think
having it just rinsed with fresh gas is sufficient.  I have been told that
the tank is fairly difficult to rinse out well and I would prefer to not
have to pay to have it done twice.  Also, do you think that $175 for labor
is a good price for the job?

Sorry for the long post.

Happy Travels!!

Aaron
-85 Westy (166k)