Date: Mon, 19 Apr 2010 19:55:01 -0400
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Fire starter Fitting Strikes Again!
In-Reply-To: <4BCCD18D.8050007@charter.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
The real problem with that fitting is that it is not visible or easily
checked-tightened. A better fix is to replace the plastic tube from pump
making it longer to reach into the engine compartment so a single clamp can
be used and inspected.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
John Rodgers
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2010 5:56 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Firestarter Fitting Strikes Again!
Congratulations on avoiding a fire!! BTDT!!
If that short piece of hose has not been replaced since one has acquired
their van from a PO - the do it and do it NOW! Don't trust what ever the
PO has to say about it. It simply is not worth the risk. And - I
strongly recommend that while doing the replacement the hose simply be
extended into the engine compartment and connected tot he fuel "T" over
the engine - thus completely bypassing that stupid little fire hazard
hardware. The only caution would be to ensure there is a chafing cover
over the fuel line to prevent rubbing against the underside of the
little "firewall". One would not a hole to rub through a fuel line under
30 psi of pressure.
Regards,
John Rodgers
Clayartist and Moldmaker
88'GL VW Bus Driver
Chelsea, AL
Http://www.moldhaus.com
On 4/19/2010 4:12 PM, Bill Shawley wrote:
> 1,200 miles into our southeastern road trip I ran into problems. Early on
I had to remove the power steering pump due to a rack leak, no biggie except
in parking lots. Made it to Florida and up through Georgia no problems at
all. Stayed the night Commerce, GA and my wife wanted to hit the outlet
stores before we headed out for Rock Hill. As we get out of the van we both
smell some gas, I'm ready to blame the Jeep next to us but my wife smells it
pretty strong near the rear. I peek under and see a small drip near the
starter.
>
>
>
> Mind you I've done the tank seal dance a month ago and inspection of my
fuel line was done few times with the BMW hose being in place in most
sections. (telling me the P.O. took care of this), I always peak under the
van after stopping somewhere to check for drips. I've been rolling with a
few feet of FI hose and some clamps in my van for a few years.
>
>
>
> After I sent my wife on a shopping spree I pulled around the back of the
outlet center and got to work, I immediately saw the the culprit as the
short piece going to th "firestarteter" fitting wet. It took me 40 minutes
to replace the hose section however I was bummed to find out I had
"borrowed" most of my FI clamps for something else and had to use the
wormgear clamps for now. I guess when I get back PA I know what I need to
do!
>
>
>
> http://www.flickr.com/photos/9309453@N08/4536063290/
>
>
>
> If you want to see the bad chunk of hose. I thin I will eliminate the
fitting once I replace all the hose. So even though I think I did
everything a reasonable and average person would do, I was very close to
becoming a casualty of the Vanagon fuel lines. At the very least make sure
you carry some FI line with you and clamps so you can repair on the side of
the road if necessary (or have the stuff handy for someone to do for you),
also locate this fitting on your van so you know where to look if you smell
gas.
>
>
>
> I'm in Rock Hill SC now without any signs of fuel leak or fumes (still
have manual steering!), and I'm feeling good about getting home without any
issues.
>
>
>
> Ryan
>
>
>
>
>
> _________________________________________________________________
> The New Busy is not the too busy. Combine all your e-mail accounts with
Hotmail.
>
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>
>
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