At 12:15 5/17/2000, Sharon Falvey wrote:
>The survey question is.  Do I really have a leak?  and is it safe to go on
>tour without fixing the tank? Other opinions or advise is welcome.

Yes, you really have a leak.  As you thought, it's from one or more of the
bloody little hoses that form the expansion reservoir system.  The spitting
back from the filler is not related and may be reduced if you elevate the
filler nozzle (the handle, that is) while filling.

Your friend is by definition "a friend indeed" -- treasure him/her.  But
(my own highly personal opinion, endorsed by nobody, YMMV, I am not an
authority even though I talk a lot, Not Invented Here, etc etc) I wouldn't
hesitate to take the thing anywhere in the meantime.  I'd suggest to not
fill the tank completely unless you're about to drive some of it off.

But if possible, consult with your friend and see if the
major/obvious/maybe only leakage is from one or more of the hoses that you
can get to without dropping the tank.  If so it's pretty easy to replace
them -- but cut them off the nipples on the plastic "saddle" tanks -- those
nipples are rather fragile, and if you break one you'll  need a new plastic
tank which doesn't grow on trees, at least around here.  The hose is
metric, 5 mm I believe, not high-pressure hose.  If in any doubt, take a
chunk to your *import* FLAPS and have them match it.  You'll need clamps
too, the existing ones are no doubt rusted to perdition.

david
David Beierl - Providence, RI
  http://pws.prserv.net/synergy/Vanagon/
'84 Westy "Dutiful Passage"
'85 GL "Poor Relation"