For Jerry (lost the original post),

I think the nightmare scenario is to do *anything* above that hole in the
tank which might create a spark.  So, keep that and the consequences in mind
before you act!  Simply emptying the gasoline is not going to make things
any safer.  Talk to a pro about that.

Is it possible to slide a sheet of plastic or something of sufficient size
between the 2 holes to try to provide a temporary gas barrier/deflector?
Then the hole in the floor can be (carefully) enlarged a bit if that's what
you decide to do.

Personally, I think the most sensible fix is to drop the tank and fix it
right.  Plenty of folks here can help you with that.

//Jack

Date sent:              Tue, 10 Aug 2004 14:55:00 -0400
Send reply to:          "Daniel L. Katz" <katzd54@YAHOO.COM>
From:                   "Daniel L. Katz" <katzd54@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:                Re: hole in fuel tank
To:                     vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM

> jerry:
>
> i don't have any direct experience here, and may not have an accurate
> picture of the situation in my mind, but here is a suggestion anyway:
>
> what if you could drill out the hole in the floor somewhat, bigger than
> the head of an appropriate screw, and plug the hole in the fuel tank with the
> screw, using a rubber washer for extra security.
>
> i would think that an ordinary galvanized sheet metal screw, and rubber
> washer known to be compatible with gasoline, would make a dandy repair.
>
> also, a fuel filter before the fuel pump, if not already installed, would be
> a good idea from now on.
>
> dan
>
>
>
> On Mon, 9 Aug 2004 14:34:59 -0400, Bike Florida
> <bikeflorida@EARTHLINK.NET> wrote:
>
> >Boy, sometimes I am a real dumbarse. I was putting some more stereo stuff
> in
> >my 87, and I put a ground cable in the floor with a self cutting screw
> right
> >behind the ledge between the front seats, now I notice I have a leak when
> >full. I didn't really want to drop the tank, so I backed the screw out and
> >put one about an inch longer in so that it has a chance to close the hole
> >up. Does this sound reasonable, or do I really need to drop the tank and
> put
> >some time of putty on the hole.
> >
> >
> >
> >Jerry