Date:         Mon, 6 Apr 1998 22:57:06 EDT
Reply-To:     Sean Bartnik <sbart7kb@WWW.MWC.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Sean Bartnik <sbart7kb@WWW.MWC.EDU>
Subject:      Re: Fuel leak ruin trip to San Jose (FIRE  HAZARD)
Comments: To: "James R. Gilbert" <cb541@CLEVELAND.FREENET.EDU>
Comments: cc: vanagon@vanagon.com
In-Reply-To:  <199804070039.UAA28271@owl.INS.CWRU.Edu>; from "James R. Gilbert"
              at Apr 6, 98 8:39 pm

>
> leak while fixing, I think, because the fix point is above
> the fuel tank, or above fuel level in fuel tank. The
> fuel system has a fuel pump, I think, so the lines are
> under slight pressure when the car is running.

The fuel injection systems used on our vans actually run at a fairly
high pressure, ~30 psi.

This is high compared to carburetor systems, which usually run on a fuel
pressure of 3-5 psi.

The fuel pump is designed so that when the engine is shut off, a
spring-loaded valve closes to prevent fuel from returning to the tank.
This way the lines remain pressurized even when the engine is off.  So
removing the lines may result in a spray of fuel under pressure.  Again,
keep that fire extinguisher handy and make sure the engine and exhaust
are completely cooled off before pulling fuel lines.

Another trick that works is to clamp some vise-grips over the rubber
fuel line upstream of where you plan to disconnect.  This will prevent
gas from siphoning from the tank when you disconnect the line.

And if you ever see someone light a cigarette while pumping gas at a gas
station, please give them a good beating about the head and shoulders --
the world will be a better place for it :-)

--
Sean Bartnik
Fredericksburg, Virginia
1981 Volkswagen Vanagon L Westfalia
1974 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia convertible
http://www.type2.com/bartnik/myvan.htm
http://www.mwc.edu/~sbart7kb/vwbooks.htm