I'm a fuel line replacer at heart. Always have been. Even on carburated
engines I like to change flexible lines every five years or so. That said,
I was quite impressed with the excellent condition of the original hoses on
both my Vanagons when I changed them (both over 10 years old when I bought
them). Some of the hoses and clamps looked a little skunky from the
outside, but when I dissected them after removal there was nothing that
wouldn't have lasted a long time.

So my question is - these fuel lines that people experience leaks and
possible fires with-

-are they original equipment?
-have they been abused, say removing the injector rail?
-have they been oil or chemical soaked ? Salt?
-is a particular hose connection most vulnerable?
-or is the problem rusted clamps?

Just curious, I still plan to change my hoses every five years. I think
that's probably a good interval for coolant hoses as well, though the
consequences are less catastrophic.

If nothing else we can feel good about those shiny clamps back there, and
feel even better about the clothes we're helping Ken W buy for his kids.  :-)

================================
Angus Gordon                       '89 Carat
Delta, Ohio                            '86 Syncro