In a message dated 12/17/03 1:06:22 PM, robertmstewart@MAC.COM writes:

<< Quick question, why would a late model vanagon engine possibly catch on
fire? >>

They catch fire the first time the owner is alone right after he asks his
mechanic, "HOW MUCH did you say that engine rebuild will cost?!!!"

Seriously, on an old van the multitude of fuel line connections in the engine
bay can leak.  If you smell fuel, stop, do not pass Go.  Check for a leaky
connection.  While I have never seen a Vanagon fuel line become embrittled or
split, I have seen them take a cold set after years of being compressed under
the tension of the ear clamps used to secure them.  Usually, a properly sized,
full circle hose clamp can replace the original crimped clamp to stop a leaky
connection.  If you find a leak, you have been given due notice that it is
probably time to replace all the fuel lines, leaking or not.

George