Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 21:09:52 -0400
Reply-To: Bulley-Hewlett & Associates <gmbulley@BULLEY-HEWLETT.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From: Bulley-Hewlett & Associates <gmbulley@BULLEY-HEWLETT.COM>
Subject: Fuel lines, one more time,
was: Congrats! Check it out...was: NEW OWNER!!
Philip & others-
Many are unaware of the potential problems with VW Type II Fuel lines.
There is a lot of info in the Vanagon Archives, search on the words "Fire",
and "Fuel Lines".
In a nutshell, the Cotton/Rubber hoses are not capable of indefinite
service in the hostile environment of the motorbox. They are pressurized to
about 30 psi, and eventually they burst, showering fuel over your motor,
sending your van to a smoky, early grave. If you are uncertain of the age
of your fuel lines, buy some of the REAL cotton covered VW hose tomorrow,
and replace them.
gmb
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>Duh, sorry, I don't know what you mean about fuel lines. If
they were
working before, why not now? I just happen not to know why this is so
important.... ph '80 Wfla
-----Original Message-----
From: Bulley-Hewlett & Associates [mailto:gmbulley@BULLEY-HEWLETT.COM]
Sent: Monday, October 19, 1998 8:58 AM
To: vanagon@VANAGON.COM
Subject: Congrats! Check it out...was: NEW OWNER!!
Ron,
Please change my status! I'm no longer a wannabe but now the proud owner
of an 89 Westy! <<SNIP>>>I bought it "sight-unseen" over the internet from
the PO in Texas. I had it shipped to Iowa and it arrived this morning.
<<<SNIP>>>
I'm taking a little cruise with it on Wednesday, having it detailed on
Thursday, might actually go camping this weekend!
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Jim-
Congrats on the new machine! We just got our Westfalia about six weeks back
and have already logged 3,500 miles, almost all of that was camping or
going/coming from camping. Been out 4 out of 6 weekends. Fall colors and
great temperatures out; you'll have a ball.
A word of caution: It's exciting to have a new vehicle, but as you have
seen from your lurking, a few maintenance oversights by the previous owner
can spell big trouble to a Westfalia. It is a complicated mechanism, with
plenty of areas where a simple fault can lead to great expense, and grief.
Spend the weekend inspecting/replacing some things before a big outing.
Check brake pads and shoes, crawl around under the van and look at
everything closely, especially the steering gear and suspension. Check
shift linkages, CV boots, muffler hangers, radiator hoses, tire pressure,
propane fittings (use sudsy water). Look for the start of rust. Beyond all
else, CHANGE THE FUEL LINES. It takes an hour or so, and costs less than
$35 (even if you buy some new clamps and a filter. How many woeful (former)
owners have we seen come to the list, with smoke still in their hair, with
the sad tale of how their "new" Vanagon went up in flames. Buy insurance,
buy a fire extinguisher, learn to use it, but change your fuel lines before
you use this van.
Happy motoring,
G. Matthew Bulley
Principal
Bulley-Hewlett & Associates
Communications for Organizational Development
Cary, North Carolina
www.bulley-hewlett.com
(888) 468-4880 toll free
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