Date: Wed, 26 Feb 1997 19:41:13 +0000
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From: vwbus@netbiz.net
Subject: Re: mystery hose (FUEL TANK)
Jim wanted to know, I think everyone could use the advice.
(clamps on fuel tank vent lines)
> clamps, expecting a "simple job", and then found that I cannot figure out
> how the original clamps are loosened--got any suggestions?
> Jim>
>
Jim you pretty much got to cut them off, a big (8" handle) set of
quality electricians dikes (side cutters) will nip right through the
OEM clamp at the point it is raised a bit to crimp, come off in a
second, then cut the hose with a single sided razor blade so you
don't break the barb off the tank. I reccomend the simple spring
clams when you put it back together as they are cheaper and easier
than the screw on jobs and as there is no pressure here are more than
sufficient. You can use any ole American fuel line for the same
reason. A bit more advice, unfortunately you are only seeing the
outer end hoses up on those tanks, one on each side attaches through
the exact same type (and likely condition) hose to a steel tank line,
the other to a little plastic valve thingy on the tank. So the best
real option is to drop your tank and replace ALL of them. This is
100% needed for the secondary reason that chances are on an '85 the
top of the tank is near rusting through because dirt collects on them
and holds water (like 1/2" of mud on top of your tank likely).
Removing is fairly straightforward and will take an afternoon.
Siphon out all the gas, then with an extinguisher nearby, remove the
fill hose from the body via 3 screws (The plastic surround twists off
in a counter clockwise direction after screws out) remove the vent line from
the fill hose (1/2" line slips on the plastic fill fitting), wiggle the
big fill pipe into the tank another couple of inches and you should
be able to then wiggle it down and clear out through the wheelwell. Cut
all those vent line pieces you are replacing, then support the tank
with something, unhook the rear lines to pump and return and plug,
watch draining gas, drain it into a pan and dispose immediately.
Remove 2 bolts from front of tank hanger straps, then wiggle the
rears of the straps out of the frame member, carefully drop the tank
(2 people). A big vent line that goes over the front top from side
to side (1/2" ID or so) may be attached to the body with a conduit clamp
sort of thing, it will pull out one end, observe how it is fitted and
notice reinstalling it is a real SOB that must be done by feel
through the tinny hole above the frame member in the wheelwell from
each side. Disconnect the tank sensor and then remove tank. Plug
all the holes scrub down well, degrease, hand wire brush, whatever.
Paint carefully on top with at least Rustoleum in the can primer and
topcoat. Reassemble replacing all the vent hoses. DO NOT FORGET TO
REAATCH THE SENDER FIRST THING, removing about 2-3 hours first time
installing faster as you know how, basic down time is paint drying.
Vanagon tanks are very $$$$, your time is worth it.
John
vwbus@netbiz.net
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