Date:         Fri, 25 Jun 1999 09:35:08 EDT
Reply-To:     VWwesty84@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Douglas Prescott <VWwesty84@AOL.COM>
Subject:      gas gauge, sudden fuel economy drop
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

I tried the archives this AM, only to be frustrated by long wait times
followed by no results...  Maybe someone can tell me how I shopuld have
searched for these answers!

After a winter of very limited use, we started using the Westy (84 with 79K)
more frequently over the past few months.  We immediately noticed that the
gas gauge was registering only about 1/3 when the tank was filled.  No big
deal, I thought.  I recall several, if not many, similar complaints on this
list.  I'd live with it 'till summer, when I could address the problem.
However, the problem is compounded by a drop in fuel economy.  We've gone
from 18-20 mpg to 10-12 mpg.  It appears that this drop occurred just as
suddenly as the gas gauge problem.  I can't imagine they're related, though
the winter spent idle must have affected both somehow.
Suggestions on where to start would be greatly appreciated.

Doug
68 Beetle, 91K
84 Westy, 79K
98 Passat, 15K (catching up fast!)