Date:         Mon, 28 Jan 2008 21:59:37 -0500
Reply-To:     Allan Streib <streib@CS.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Allan Streib <streib@CS.INDIANA.EDU>
Subject:      Re: major fuel leak
In-Reply-To:  <13612C75-6998-47AA-AD7E-3D7023AD2CFB@cs.indiana.edu>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed

Checked out the fuel leak situation a bit more tonight.  Tried to see
in across the top of the tank from the wheel wells.  Could not see
any obvious broken lines, and could not really reach them.  I am
going to try to use a hand mirror to see up there from under the
center of the van.

One thing I did notice, is that some PO installed a little center
console between the seats -- has a couple of drink holders and a tray
for miscellaneous small items.  Well he used what look like 2"
drywall screws to fasten the thing to the floor -- idiotic.  It may
well be that one or both of these screws pierced or abraded the
crossover pipes above the tank.  Won't know for sure until I get the
tank out.

Allan
--
1991 Vanagon GL


On Jan 27, 2008, at 11:57 PM, Allan Streib wrote:

> Not insulting at all, these are good reminders for everyone.  Fuel
> tanks need to be handled very carefully.  There's a local radiator
> shop here that will "boil out" a tank and repair small perforations
> for reasonable fees.
>
> Allan
>
> On Jan 27, 2008, at 11:28 PM, Roger Whittaker wrote:
>
>> Dear Allan
>>
>> i hope you do not take the following post as an insult to your
>> intelligence but in the interest of safety i will venture forward
>>
>> Prior to proceeding with any gasoline tank repairs ...
>>
>> if repairing in the home garage ... read your home owners policy
>> to see if burning the house down while doing own repairs is covered
>>
>> ensure all lights on extension cords or used for remote light are
>> non breakable low heat
>> ensure there is adequate ventilation in your work area
>> remove all gasoline from the tank before attempting to remove tank
>> from the vehicle
>>
>> if there is even the remotest chance that you will introduce
>> sparks or open flame to the work area
>> have the tank steam cleaned by professionals prior to attempting
>> repairs and immediately after removal
>>
>> Most importantly remember that furnaces in the work area ... are a
>> source of flame or spark
>> remember also that if there are heater vents from the regular
>> house forced air heater ...
>> fumes can seep into the vents and make their way to the fire
>> chamber ...
>>
>> good luck with your repairs ...
>> yours
>>
>> On Jan 27, 2008 5:49 PM, Allan Streib <streib@cs.indiana.edu> wrote:
>> On Jan 27, 2008, at 8:12 PM, Dennis Haynes wrote:
>>
>> >  If this van is new to you consider that the upper leaks have been
>> > there for a while which also mean that road debris and water have
>> > gotten in
>>
>> Yeah good point.  If I have to drop the tank, which seems inevitable,
>> I will definitely be going over it to be sure it's not perforated,
>> and plan to clean up and POR-15 the whole thing.
>>
>> Allan
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> roger w
>> There are two kinds of jobs in the world:
>> Picking up garbage and telling people things.
>> Successful people do both, with the same good attitude. (riw)
>> -----------------------------------------------------------
>> View the growing list of video work at:
>> http://revver.com/find/video/?query=LastonLastof&search_on=owners
>> and ... older work at
>> http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7135104650374818257
>> http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3259745150182742364
>