Date:         Sun, 14 Dec 2003 13:17:54 -0800
Reply-To:     James Ballen <ballenjames@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         James Ballen <ballenjames@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      fuel leak / starting problem
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed

Volks,

I have developed a "small" gas leak in my '83.5 1.9L WBX... It is large
enough for me to clearly smell gas if i stick my nose near the rear wheels.

I did locate it last night (in the dark w/my keychain LED squeeze light ;),
and it appears to be at the first connection past the fuel filter, just up
before the engine, where there it looks like there is one of the plastic "T"
connectors.  If I turn the ignition on so that the fuel pumps starts, then
turn it off, a very small puddle forms on the ground.

It has more frequently been harder to start the engine  (I assume the leak
is getting worse?)...but it will start if i give it some gas from the
pedal...

Question is, would I be losing enough gas to actually keep the engine from
starting?  apparently, yes.

I plan on heading over to my local VW shop tomorrow to hopefully buy the
needed 7mm fuel hose and clamps. If not, I will buy from a list vendor for
sure.  As far as the amount needed to do all the lines...i've heard
everything from 10 to 20ft. of hose.  Also, will i need to drop the tank to
get to the feed and return connections?  If i start disconnecting after the
fuel filter, will i just get minimal amounts of fuel coming out, or will i
need to clamp it off?

I've looked in the jumbled archives, and did find one excellent write up by
unca joel about this:

http://tinyurl.com/z7rw

but i'm looking for some other tips/tricks/things NOT to do from the
esteemed list...

thanks all.

James
'83.5 Country Homes

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