Date: Mon, 13 Sep 1999 09:45:44 -0700
Reply-To: Richard Golen <rgolen@UMASSD.EDU>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Richard Golen <rgolen@UMASSD.EDU>
Subject: 1993 Eurovan Fuel Leak UPDATE
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
I just wanted to update you folks on the survey and some responses to my
survey and the research that I, as well as a few others, have done over the
past few days regarding 93 EV fuel leak problems.
1. I received 5 responses so far to my survey. 4 out of the 5 have noticed
fuel odors, especially when first starting up and in cold weather. 2 out of
these four have actually noticed leaking fuel or have replaced fuel lines.
2. There are three complaints of leaking fuel lines, one of which caused an
engine fire at the NHTSA/DOT websites.
To see these complaints go to:
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/complain/compmmy1.cfm
At the first menu select 1993, then on the next page select VOLKSWAGEN
TRUCK, then select EUROVAN, and finally on the last screen select FUEL:FUEL
LINES:HOSES:NON-METALLIC
You will then see the three complaints.
3. If you have had a problem or continue to have a problem with leaking
fuel lines, go to:
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/
This will allow you to submit a complaint to NHTSA/DOT regarding fuel
leaks. My survey, although not scientific, seems to point to a large number
of 93 EVs having fuel leak problems. Perhaps we can force a recall and have
VW fix the problems.
4. VW KNOWS ABOUT THE PROBLEM! Thanks to list-member Moe Walters' research,
Transport Canada lists a recall of Eurovans (1992 model year) for the very
same problem that we are complaining of. Here's the address:
http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/Recalls/recall_e.asp?recno=5120&make=VOLKSWAG
Here's the basic text:
"Recall Details
THE FUEL FEED AND RETURN HOSES IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COULD "SETTLE"
OVER TIME WHICH COULD CAUSE THE FASTENING CLAMPS TO LOSE THEIR TIGHT FIT AND
PERMIT FUEL TO SEEP OUT AT THE HOSE CONNECTIONS. FUEL SEEPAGE COULD RESULT
IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. CORRECTION: HOSES AND CLAMPS WILL BE
REPLACED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES."
I spoke with VW customer service, and they acted as if they had never heard
of the problem.
At this point in time, I am going to take VW to task over the problem. It
is obvious they know about the problem, it is a design defect, and they
need to correct it. I have already forwarded the NHTSA reports to my
insurance company and will be forwarding the Transport Canada one today.
Hopefully enough pressure can be brought so that VW will fix the problems
on the 1993 EVs.
In the meantime, get a fire extinguisher! If you have any further info
regarding fuel leaks, please let me know.
Thanks for all of your help to date.
Ric
