-----Original Message-----
From: MilosKitchen [mailto:sagmoore@zoominternet.net]
Sent: Sunday, May 23, 2004 7:15 PM
To: Jason Kirk
Subject: RE: Gas Mileage Problem

"My local chain
store wants $28 (US) for one."
Okay, this is where I must chime in.
The price of parts seems to be a big issue. If I need a new part for my
Vanagon such as brake pads or shoes, springs, whatever, unless I can trace
back the source to OEM or VW, I don't buy it. Go to VW or a qualified list
vendor, buy the part and smile, it will work with your vehicle. Buying parts
for the important things like fuel filters, oil filters, brakes, thermostats
etc, get the real deal. How long did the original part last in the first
place? Pretty long I'd guess (okay, not counting cylinder heads). All of are
vans are getting a bit geriatric, don't abuse them with substandard fitsall
parts. Okay rant over, flame suit on.
Dave

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
Of Jason Kirk
Sent: Sunday, May 23, 2004 6:20 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Gas Mileage Problem

If you keep running your van out of gas your mileage problem is bound to
get worse. Imagine how much sediment has collected on the bottom of that
tank since it was new and now your forcing all of that crap through your
fuel lines and (hopefully) into your fuel filter. By they way does
anyone know the best place to get a new fuel filter? My local chain
store wants $28 (US) for one.

Jason Kirk
87 Vanagon Weekender

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Ryan Dawson
Sent: Sunday, May 23, 2004 1:48 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Gas Mileage Problem

I just wanted to thank everyone for their advice on the situation.

As a follow up, I filled the tank again once the needle was dipping into
the
red.  I put in 51.107 litres or 13.501 gallons.  That means that there
was just
under 9 litres left in the tank when the needle entered the red zone.  I
drove
the van approximately 160 miles on the full 16 gallon tank and drove
until I
ran out of gas (I kept a spare can in the van so I could make it back to
the
gas station).  This means that I'm getting approximately 10 mpg!  This
is all
with the van unloaded, only me and a can of gas (propane tank was empty
as
well).

I'm going to check the fuel lines for leaks tomorrow when it stops
raining.
Also, there are no dents in the fuel tank either (someone suggested
that, but
the tank is taking on its full capacity).  Any other ideas are
appreciated.

Thanks to everyone for their assistance,
Ryan