Date: Mon, 11 Apr 2011 14:31:51 -0500
Reply-To: Zach Hale <zach@ZACHHALE.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Zach Hale <zach@ZACHHALE.COM>
Subject: Re: Oil/gas leak from passenger cv joint
In-Reply-To: <471059.10646.qm@web83606.mail.sp1.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
I'm trying to disconnect the hoses to bypass the firewall plastic piece. Are
you saying I should replace the entire hose from the spot where it splits to
the fuel injectors all the way to the fuel filter or just from the split to
the injectors to the hose that's already running forward from the firewall?
The engine and fuel injector hoses from the engine are almost brand new. Is
it reasonable to just use some hose to connect the pieces similarly to the
firewall plastic piece or to what extent do you suggest replacing hose here?
Thank you!
Zach
On Apr 11, 2011, at 10:52 AM, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
Zach,
I thought about your situation some more...most likely, the fuel leak is
coming from the plastic bulkhead fitting on the "firewall", that is, the
sheetmetal wall in the engine compartment most towards the FRONT of the
vehicle. Basically, the fuel hose hose attaches to this fitting from both
sides; the fitting was put there at the factory to AID MANAUFACTURE of the
Vanagon. It doesn't really do anything else. But it gets old and brittle,
and then cracks due to the flexing of the hoses attached to it which vibrate
with the engine. Many owners, including myself, have REMOVED AND THROWN
AWAY this white plastic fitting.
Instead, run a LONGER piece of fuel injector hose from the engine THROUGH
the firewall and onto the stiff plastic fuel line which continues on to the
fuel pump and fuel filter and gas tank. You will need a grommet or
something (I used a larger diameter piece heater hose, about 6 inches long,
and ran the FI hose through it) to protect the hose from the sharp edges of
the sheet metal firewall.
OR, you don't even need to run the longer piece of Fuel Injector hose
through the firewall....it can run BELOW it....then you won't need any
abrasion protection on it.
Again, all of this assumes the leak is at the firewall fitting. It may get
you on the road again quickly. But, you MUST replace ALL the fuel injector
hoses ASAP...you are now gambling and on borrowed time!!!!! Seriously!!!
Yes, you could replace the broken plastic firewall fitting....but difficult
and expensive to find. There are even metal versions available.
The fuel injector hose size is 5/16....just noticed on Ben's website.
Rich
San Diego
--- On *Mon, 4/11/11, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net>* wrote:
From: Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net>
Subject: Re: Oil/gas leak from passenger cv joint
To: "Zach Hale" <zach@ZACHHALE.COM>
Date: Monday, April 11, 2011, 8:21 AM
Zach,
Sounds like fuel from the supply line or one of the fuel injectors lines is
leaking and dripping onto your transmission, making it appear that it is
coming out of the CV joint (by the way, am assuming its the CV joint near
the transmission not the one outboard by the wheel). The fact that fuel is
leaking is VERY SERIOUS!!! Many Vanagons are lost to out of control fires
in engine compartments each year due to this kind of leak!! Needs immediate
fixing!!!
First, open up engine compartment and take a look. You might need to start
up engine to see where the leak is coming from. DON'T LET THINGS GET HOT
THOUGH....COULD IGNITE AND YOU WILL HAVE A RUNAWAY FIRE AND WILL LOSE THE
WHOLE VEHICLE !!
How far from town are you? You will need to buy some Fuel Injector hose.
Others on the list will be quickly getting in touch with you regarding size
of hose. But NOT fuel hose, it's not strong enough, must be Injector Hose.
Maybe you can ask someone in the campground to give you a lift into town to
an auto parts store; maybe a taxi back to the campground. DRIVING YOUR
VEHICLE WILL BE EXTREMELY RISKY, DON'T DO IT!!! You're lucky to have
discovered the fuel leak. The tools you will need are
basic....screwdrivers, socket & ratchet set, knife to cut the tough fuel
injector hose to proper length, also an X-acto knife with a #11
blade.....see http://www.benplace.com/fuel_line.htm That site will show
you what you need to do and how to do it.
By the way, the clicking is just noisy hydraulic lifters; will go away after
a few minutes, very common with this engine.
What part of the world are you currently in? Help may be nearby on the
Vanagon list.
Good Luck, we're here to help.
Rich
San Diego
--- On *Mon, 4/11/11, Zach Hale <zach@ZACHHALE.COM>* wrote:
From: Zach Hale <zach@ZACHHALE.COM>
Subject: Oil/gas leak from passenger cv joint
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Date: Monday, April 11, 2011, 7:55 AM
Hello all,
I'm at a bit of a loss for what to do right now as I'm at a campground
intending to drive a full day so any help is much appreciated.
This morning I checked my oil and coolant as I normally do and all
looks good. Start up my 85 vanagon and noticed a slightly louder than
normal clicking noise (normal to hear but it got my attention) so I
went to listen in while it warmed up. Then I noticed something
dripping from around the passenger side rear axle boot. I can't tell
whether it's oil or gas. It smells like gas, but it sometimes does
when I start the van up. The cvs are only about 6000 miles old and
seem to be in good shape. The liquid stopped dripping after I turned
the van off and has since (20 min) dissapeared almost completely from
around the boot. Based on that I'm thinking its probably gas and I
only thought it was oil from scraping the ground where it was dripping
and would have mixed with dirt. I really don't know. Smells like gas.
I doubt the clicking is any worry and is just the van warming up. The
oil level is full and it seemed to be warming up like normal before I
stopped. Gas tank is almost full as well. I did notice that after my
last oil change a month ago the oil level was a little bit above max
for what that's worth. Seems a normal max level now. At least while
cold.
Any thoughts/worries? I appreciate any help as I'm eagerly ready to
leave this camground. :)
Thanks,
Zach