Date: Sun, 4 Dec 2005 13:45:37 -0600
Reply-To: John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Subject: Re: Van won't start with strong gas smell...
In-Reply-To: <35261daf0512041012x757f66e4o89ed45d660532eef@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
FIRST - do not attempt to start the engine!!!!! You do not want any
arc-n-spark in that engine area until you know what the problem is and
have fixed it!
Second - Get a sizable fire extinguisher out and sit it by the rear of
the van.
Third - open the engine hatch so you can clearly see inside.
Fourth - with you at the rear, by the hatch, fire extinguisher within
reach, have the wife or friend turn the ignition key to the point that
the fuel pump turns on and pressurizes the fuel system - but not so far
as to to engage the starter to start the engine. You DO NOT want any
kind of arc-n-spark happening back there until you can determine what is
going on and have fixed the problem. Gas fumes can ignite with the
smallest of sparks
If fuel starts running out onto the ground you can probably very quickly
tell where it is coming from. Immdediately turn the ignition key to
"OFF", allow the area to ventilate well, and then fix the problem.
If you still smell the fuel, but have no visible signs on the ground,
then you have something other than a fuel line leak to contend with.
If the fuel lines have not been renewed within the last 5 years, I would
strongly suggest that you do so, regardless of what is causing this
little problem. All air cooled VW vehicles, and all Vanagons, have a
notorious history of burning up due to engine fires, and in nearly every
case the fire is fuel hose related. Take no chances!!! Also, when
changing out the fuel hoses, change the small FI lines as well. If they
are old, they too are subject ot failure.
The fuel lines and injector lines change is not difficult, just a bit
time consuming. Just make it a Saturday or Sunday afternoon project.
Materials cost will be in the Neighborhood of $70 if you provide the
labor. And that includes new fuel lines, injector lines, hose clamps,
and injector seals. Small price to pay for peace of mind!!!
After dealing with your fuel hose issues, scrutinze your coolant hoses,
to avoid future problems there as well, that could result in the loss of
the engine.
Regards,
John Rodgers
88 GL Driver - BTDT - fuel and water!
regards,
John Rodgers
Jim Quan wrote:
>List population,
>
>Van has been sitting for a few weeks while we sell of our beloved '98
>Audi A4 Avant Quattro wagon. We have three cars now and only need two,
>the third car is a new addition from my business and I don't want to
>sell the Syncro Westy so unfortunately the Audi has to go.
>
>Went out to take it and the family to get our Christmas tree and it
>wouldn't start. Seemed like it wasn't getting any fuel. Noticed a
>strong gasoline smell and some gasoline leaking onto the driveway.
>Could this be the fuel lines? Maybe sitting for an extended period and
>the cooler weather created this problem. No matter, I am looking to
>the list once again to steer me in the right direction before I dive
>in and fix the problem.
>
>Thanks,
>
>Jim
>1991 Syncro Westy
>
>
>
>
