> > 1. The kit I purchased (van-cafe) and others do not include the
> > grommets or seals for the two expansion tanks.  Is this because they
> > rarely fail?  Or?
>
> David Johnson addresses this in his reply.  From what I've seen, the
> waterboxers don't have these (though I'm no expert).

Hmmmm...ETKA shows the grommet (N  901 005 01) and check valve for all
years, 1980-1992. I know my '90 had 'em. Mine were actually in such
good shape (i.e. not crumbling) that I ended up breaking the check
valve trying to replace the right side grommet. I figured if they're
that hard to get out, they won't leak, so I just left the left side
one in.

> Good luck.  I feel sorry for your mechanic.  It's a dirty, stinky job.

Heh. Pulling and reinstalling the tank gets easier after you do it
three or four times. Some important things to remember (I did not) are
1) put the rubber breather hoses on those braised on tubes on the tank
BEFORE you install the tank, or you will have to drop it again; and 2)
remember to hook up the fuel level sensor before installing the tank
or you will have to drop it a THIRD time! I'm sure if you follow the
instructions in the Bentley diligently (I, of course, did not) it goes
smoothly. By the third time I got to where I could pop that crossover
tube into the grommets without even thinking about it...

--
John Bange
'90 Vanagon - "Geldsauger"