Date:         Wed, 29 Apr 1998 13:51:00 EDT
Reply-To:     db25 <Douglas_M_BENSEN@UMAIL.UMD.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         db25 <Douglas_M_BENSEN@UMAIL.UMD.EDU>
Subject:      Fuel leak fixed
Comments: To: vanagon@vanagon.com

This past weekend I finally dropped the tank and fixed the fuel leak that
has been plagued me since I've gotten that van on the road.  I read the
archives and tried to do the tube replacement with the tank in the van, but
there was just no way.  I highly recommend doing it, because
when the tank is down, all the small pieces of tubing, which add to the leak,
can be replaced.  It wasn't just the cross over tube and grommets that were
the problem.  Actually the grommet seal was fine, the black plastic tube
relaxed on the white plastic "T", which allowed a small leak.
If I had a second floor jack life would have been a lot easier.  Instead I
place a plastic milk crate under the tank, unbolted everything and raised
the van.  This worked O.K. until it was time to lower the van to install the
tank.  It was very difficult to make sure all the vent lines were not
trapped while everything went together.  You guessed it, I had to bring it
down a second time because one line was pinched.  It went much faster the
second time.  One thing I highly recommend is installing clamps on the
cross over tube fittings.  They come from the dealer with what looks like a
heat shrunk fit, but it does relax after 10 or 12 years.  A trick I learned
many years ago while working in a motorcyles shop was to use break cleaner
on the rubber parts for assembly.  It lubricates the parts and really makes
things slip together easily.  It wasn't really a bad job, but it did
intimidating before I started it.  If anyone has any questions about doing
the job, feel free to write.  It is nice not smelling gas every time
I go the pumps.  For about $30 in parts and an afternoon, it is worth it.

Doug
'86 GL Westy
Maryland