Date: Thu, 4 Apr 2013 18:26:05 -0700
Reply-To: Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: it just stops! What do I do? - was Spare Fuel Pump Saves the
Day
In-Reply-To: <515e1d00.4a1ab60a.0dda.ffffa0dd@mx.google.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Both John Muir's were my idols.
Well, first of all, it depends on where you are when you break down. If you
are on I-5 you call a tow truck (and hopefully have AAA or insurance towing
coverage). BTDT.
You also have to have some experience with auto repairs. I would not have a
novice replace a fuel pump. You must have enough sense to know that you
need to remove the negative cable on the battery and that you need to clamp
off or plug the hose on the tank side before you remove the pump. And, the
screw in the pump clamp will be corroded and tight, the hoses will be
difficult to remove and may not even match up to the pump input and output.
Then there's the corroded electrical connections. And, you will be on your
back in the mud.
Last but not least, fuel will run down your arms into your armpits creating
a sensation you've never experienced before if you don't know what you are
doing.
Sounds like an iPhone app to me though.
Stuart
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Rob
Sent: Thursday, April 04, 2013 5:38 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: it just stops! What do I do? - was Spare Fuel Pump Saves the
Day
The engine just dies... John Muir had instructions in his book (is it out of
gas? Go check) but I suspect many here have not even heard of
(this) Mr Muir.
What about the person out there who doesn't know their way around the
waterboxer? Is there any hope for them besides cell phone reception? Let's
say they invest in these spare parts & a Bentley what can they do besides
hand them to a mechanic after they have been towed in?
Is there any chance of coming up with a list of things to do, specific
things so someone might be able to pull them self out of this jam?
Sort of an Engine stops or will not start list...
In this case the fuel pump it didn't make any noise & David knew to listen
for that, then it did & then it didn't. There he had something to fix and
the part to fix it with! If it hadn't made noise I'd have pulled out the
meter to check for voltage & a ground on the wires at the pump...
Maybe this is just not something that can be done in a list, maybe it's
already been done on The Samba?
Anyone have any thoughts on this?
Rob
vwrobb@gmail.com