Thanks Tim for the part info. I have had the van on ramps for the last
month while I went around and found all the rubber for this job, so I
have a set of the breather valve grommets. Thanks though for the part
numbers. Taking a closer look at the grommet from the top of the vent
tank, yes it does look like that black goo was originally from the
grommet and not a sealing compound.

My main fuel filler tube grommet does not have so much free play that it
needs an additional O-ring, just about 1 mm, more than I am comfortable
with. The van was leaking at the main fuel filler tube, hence why I
started this adventure. I just wanted to make sure that I do this once
and the right way.

Thanks for the info.

--Jeff

Timothy Hannink wrote:

> I would find an o-ring to fit inside the grommet
> groove as a temporary measure until you get an answer
> from the parts supplier. I reused my old filler
> grommet after I pulled the tank this weekend and I
> thought it was a little loose also, but it doesn't
> leak.
>
> The valves on top of the expansion tanks are held in
> with grommets. I pulled mine out this weekend and 1/2
> of one and turned into the tar like substance that you
> describe, the other was in better shape. I will be
> ordering two new ones from VW and will let you know
> the part number if you want.
>
> Good Luck,
>
> Tim
>
> --- Jeff Strickrott <jstric01@CS.FIU.EDU> wrote:
> > Hi All:
> >
> > I just received the 68 mm opening replacement gas
> > tank for my 82
> > Vanagon. This tank is designed for the 68 mm fuel
> > filler grommet for use
> > with the 58 mm fuel filler tube. I noticed that the
> > new rubber grommet
> > (VW part # 251-201-139) does not fit as tightly in
> > the nominally 68 mm
> > fuel tank opening as it does on the old tank. The
> > metal fuel filler
> > tube, when fitted into the new grommet on the new
> > tank, seems to have
> > more play and does not appear that it will seal
> > completely.  I measured
> > the new tank opening with a pair of calipers and it
> > is 69.6 mm as
> > compared to the old tank at 68.2 mm. Thus the new
> > tank allows the
> > grommet to move more and hence does not appear to
> > fit as tightly around
> > the fuel filler tube.
> >
> > Anyone know what type of sealant I could use that
> > will stay flexible to
> > ensure that the tank does not leak around the
> > grommet?
> > Bentleys also indicates that the grommets on the gas
> > and vent tanks
> > should be "sealed if necessary". Anyone know what VW
> > originally used?
> >
> > When I pulled the caps to the vent tanks, I noticed
> > a tar like substance
> > around the cap, presumably sealing it. Reminded me
> > of some of the
> > roofing tar that they use under shingles. Any idea
> > if this is what was
> > originally used?
> >
> > Thanks for the help in advance.
> >
> > Regards,
> > --Jeff Strickrott
> > 82 Westy, South Florida
>
> =====
> Tim Hannink
> Goldibox - 1987 Vanagon Camper, Wolfsburg Edition
> Winter Park, Florida
> http://home.earthlink.net/~tjhannink/
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wolfsburg_campers
> http://photos.yahoo.com/tjhannink [Vanagon] Album
>
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