Date:         Wed, 20 Nov 2002 11:11:55 -0800
Reply-To:     Peter Lofting <lofting@APPLE.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Peter Lofting <lofting@APPLE.COM>
Subject:      Vanagon gas tank leaks - vapor lock floods engine bay
In-Reply-To:  <1c7.1dd5a1f.2b0d1f6b@aol.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" ; format="flowed"

Talking of gas leaks, there is another problem with Vanagon's which
is that a vapour lock can form which forces fuel out of the tanks
into the engine bay.

This happened to friends who were camping out in the mountains at
5000 feet for a couple of days. When they re-started the van to drive
home they suffered a 3 minute engine fire that trashed the wiring
harness and plastic fitting - see photos at
http://17.254.3.162/images/TomJoanVW/index.html

I've not worked out where the vapour lock occured yet, but its
something else to watch out for if you go up in the mountains or park
in the hot sun for a long period of time. Probably best to check the
engine bay before starting off.

Has anyone else had this experience?

Peter
(1984 Vanagon Westy)