Date:         Tue, 29 Jan 2008 09:47:26 -0800
Reply-To:     Mark Drillock <mdrillock@COX.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mark Drillock <mdrillock@COX.NET>
Subject:      Re: major fuel leak
Comments: To: Allan Streib <streib@CS.INDIANA.EDU>
In-Reply-To:  <bq74wnic.fsf@envisagenow.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Come on guys. It is a simple and inexpensive design. Most last for 15-20
years, many even more. Vehicles are not designed to last forever without
parts being replaced. It is not hard or costly to fix if needed.

Mark

Allan Streib wrote:
> "Larry Alofs" <lalofs@gmail.com> writes:
>
>> The problem with a permanent line going straight across between the
>> two high points is that the line needs to go above the shift linkage
>> rod.  Hence VW's "clever" approach where you are supposed to get the
>> tank up there nearly in position and then put the line across and
>> pop the fittings into the grommets.  This calls for a rather strong
>> but also rather skinny arm and hand.
>
> Or install the shift linkage rod after the tank is already in?  Or use
> flare fittings so a metal line could be attached to metal fittings?
>
> Sorry I think they could have come up with something better.  This
> just seems like a half-hearted attempt to solve a pretty simple
> problem, using cheap materials, with potentially catastrophic results
> 10 years later.
>
>
>>   The last time I had my tank down, I switched to a crossover tube
>> that is FI grade rubber hose long enough to go down and around the
>> shift linkage etc. so that I could connect it all before raising the
>> tank.  The only complication was positioning it so that the parking
>> brake cable would not rub against it.  Seems to work fine; the tank
>> fills normally.
>
> If the tube has a low point in the middle where it passes under the
> shift linkage, won't that act like a trap for liquid fuel, negating
> the cross-venting function that the tube is supposed to provide?
>
> Allan
>