Date:         Thu, 15 Apr 2004 16:33:51 EDT
Reply-To:     Oxroad@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jeff Oxroad <Oxroad@AOL.COM>
Subject:      gas tank vent hose wet
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

I replaced all the hoses on the top of my gas tank four years ago and now at
fill up I get some fumes. At first glance the rubber hose with the fabric mesh
to the overflow tanks on each side are wet with gasoline. These are easily
replaced from under the fender well without taking out the tank. The other hoses
on top I have not checked at fill up but I'm fearing the worst. Taking out
the tank is a PIA! And while I'm sure the plastic hose and Ts are fine I think
there are some more rubber hoses that can only be accessed by taking out the
tank.

I'm guessing these hoses should last more than 4 years, although I was in hot
and dry burbank for two of those years. And it's still pretty hot and dry
down here in Holywood. Is it just the hotter climate here that is doing in the
rubber or is there something I can do to avoid having to change them out in
anothe four years. Is the "european" rubber hose with the fabric coating the best
for this job. I think the hose I took out four years ago was the factory stuff
with the fabric coating, so that lasted 15 years or so--of course in a wetter
cooler climate back east.

I know sometimes the vent mechinism on these plastic overflow tanks don't
work properly. Could this be the cause of a prematurely failing hose? Doesn't
make sense.

Any advice appreciated.
Best,
Jeff
83.5 Westfalia
LA,CA