Date:         Mon, 22 Sep 1997 18:10:15 -0400
Reply-To:     Scott Chen <mac.chen@IX.NETCOM.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon mailing list <Vanagon@Gerry.SDSC.EDU>
From:         Scott Chen <mac.chen@IX.NETCOM.COM>
Subject:      Gas Tank Removal
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

        I just finished replacing the gas tank fuel lines on my 84
Westfalia using the archive directions for Gas Tank Removal.  A couple of
tips for anyone thinking of doing this:

1.  Be prepared to wrestle with the factory compression clamps.  I didn't
realize how difficult they would be until I tried to take them off.  The
best technique for me was to grip the clamp by the seam (opposite from the
crimp) and twist it, breaking the clamp at the seam.  A pox on whoever
decided to use those clamps, as they add time and stress to a relatively
easy job.  Some of the clamps were easy to break apart using the above
method, others were very hard to grip.  I replaced all the compression
clamps with the worm type clamps (about 20 total).  Does anyone have a
better method for dealing with those compression clamps?

2.   I needed another trip to the FLAPS as I thought two feet of fuel hose
would be enough for the tank lines, I actually needed closer to three.  I
suggest buying four feet and having some to spare.

3.  I ran the van down as far as I felt comfortable doing (well into the
red zone).  I still had about two gallons in the tank, which drained out
through the fuel line after disconnecting the fuel filter.

4.  Golf tees make wonderful hose plugs.

Not a difficult job, but frustrating nonetheless. The tank was in better
shape than I hoped, just a bunch of crud on top, no rust at all. The fuel
lines were a little brittle, but the plastic lines looked great.  Total
time spent was 3  hours out and in.

Scott
84 Westy ( building a new van one part at a time...)