I'd bet your regulator is shot and the pump over-pressured and blew off the
fuel line where it connects to the plastic line.  BTDT

                                                   Jay  (happened on my
'86)

Steve Arbaugh <sneakers@OZ.NET> on 03/14/2001 07:16:39 PM

Please respond to Steve Arbaugh <sneakers@OZ.NET>

To:   vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
cc:    (bcc: Jay L Snyder/AE/DuPont)
Subject:  nuthin's easy anymore..

one of those days, I guess.
I figured I'd drive the westy for a few days, since it's not a daily
driver,
and hadn't been out for a few weeks. soooo, I swapped it's parking space
with the usual commuter, but doing so I noticed a gas smell hanging about.
I
figured it was that junker that just drove past. Started it up again and
got
the smell, stronger. hmmmm... take a look underneath.
This was one of those times when things just slow way down and become
exceedingly clear. I see spurting fluid, hitting the side of the trans from
the pressure line, dripping off the trans (and everything else around it)
onto the exhaust. I see the waves of the fumes rising off the manifold,
sorta cool in an "ohmigohd" kinda way. Shut down, check for flames, watch
for a while longer to make sure nothing ignites, then start breathing
again.
The culprit is the junction of the fuel line just in front of the sheet
metal in the engine compartment. There's a crimp fitting from one type of
hose to the one feeding into the motor (or so it appears). I can see it and
touch it easiest from over the rear wheel, but that's a stretch.
I've already ordered Ken's fuel line replacement kit, but from those who
have already done this, what's the easiest way to get to this section? Pull
the wheel and crawl in that way, or underneath? I've got ramps and
jackstands, but I hate using these on my driveway because it is a bit too
steep for comfort.
anyway, sharing, and any advice is appreciated....
steve
'85 westy (leaking, but not water)
kent, wa