Date:         Fri, 16 Aug 2002 12:34:13 -0700
Reply-To:     mark drillock <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         mark drillock <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject:      Re: how much have you filled your gas tank??
Comments: To: Bill Kasper <dragonlist@IPMTS.UCSC.EDU>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

The Syncro tank filling system has some design flaws that make it harder
to fill completely as every owner must have noticed.

Most importantly, the filler hole in the body is not much higher than
the top of the tank. Because the Syncro tank is mounted above the tranny
this could not be helped.

Secondly, the filler tube enters the side of tank near the bottom of the
tank.  Once the tank is partly filled all of the air that the fuel
displaces has to come out through the small vent line near the top of
the tank. The fill rate must thus be less than the rate that this small
vent can flow the displaced air.

Lastly, this vent line is not at the true top or highest point of the
tank. Unless the right rear corner of the Syncro is slightly higher than
the others you simply will never be able to fill the tank completely.

Mark

Bill Kasper wrote:
>
> yes, well, i guess our pumps in santa cruz don't flow low enough to
> prevent the kickback.  even when i try to hold it at its minimum
> (withouth shutting off) i can at best get another third of a gallon.
>
> but the vents may be blocked, i've not checked that out.
>
> bill
>
> On Friday, August 16, 2002, at 12:04 PM, KimBrennan@aol.com wrote:
>
> > In a message dated 8/16/02 2:52:38 PM, dragonlist@IPMTS.UCSC.EDU
> > writes:
> >
> >> supposed to be 18.5 gallons, but i can never get more than 15 or so in
> >> there.  standard problem, but it means either (a) i always have about
> >> 3.5 gallons when it reads below reserve, or (b) it won't fill
> >> completely and i am getting about 30 miles to the gallon on the tank
> >> full (just kidding, i get 14-15, usually) .
> >