James, fix leak IMMEDIATELY.  You have a potential fire hazard with gasoline
from leaking connection spraying over hot engine.  If you local VW shop is
competent, have them take care of the problem for you.  If one connection is
leaking, others may not be far behind.

John Lauterbach
Macon, GA
'84 7-passenger

----- Original Message -----
From: "James Ballen" <ballenjames@HOTMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, December 14, 2003 4:17 PM
Subject: fuel leak / starting problem

> Volks,
>
> I have developed a "small" gas leak in my '83.5 1.9L WBX... It is large
> enough for me to clearly smell gas if i stick my nose near the rear
wheels.
>
> I did locate it last night (in the dark w/my keychain LED squeeze light
;),
> and it appears to be at the first connection past the fuel filter, just up
> before the engine, where there it looks like there is one of the plastic
"T"
> connectors.  If I turn the ignition on so that the fuel pumps starts, then
> turn it off, a very small puddle forms on the ground.
>
> It has more frequently been harder to start the engine  (I assume the leak
> is getting worse?)...but it will start if i give it some gas from the
> pedal...
>
> Question is, would I be losing enough gas to actually keep the engine from
> starting?  apparently, yes.
>
> I plan on heading over to my local VW shop tomorrow to hopefully buy the
> needed 7mm fuel hose and clamps. If not, I will buy from a list vendor for
> sure.  As far as the amount needed to do all the lines...i've heard
> everything from 10 to 20ft. of hose.  Also, will i need to drop the tank
to
> get to the feed and return connections?  If i start disconnecting after
the
> fuel filter, will i just get minimal amounts of fuel coming out, or will i
> need to clamp it off?
>
> I've looked in the jumbled archives, and did find one excellent write up
by
> unca joel about this:
>
> http://tinyurl.com/z7rw
>
> but i'm looking for some other tips/tricks/things NOT to do from the
> esteemed list...
>
> thanks all.
>
> James
> '83.5 Country Homes
>
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