On 8/25/06, David M <covrambles@yahoo.com> wrote:
> What is a reasoanble price to pay someone to do this
> job?

Two hour job, I'd say. Multiply times hourly,  add parts to that. A
"regular mechanic" will charge more and probably have more trouble
finding the replacement parts, so I'd definitely find someone who's
done it before.

> I'm surprised there was not a recall on this; it seems
> like a very dangerous thing and also pollutes the
> environment.

Recalls are pretty much limited to issues due to inherent
manufacturing flaws or design shortcomings that pose a danger. Rubber
is generally considered a wear item, so the grommets on the tanks
going to pieces fifteen-plus years after manufacture might be
exasperating, but they're really legally no more VW's responsibility
than old coolant hoses.
If the law required vehicles that would never leak, even after 20
years, we'd never see an affordable vehicle again! Cars just need
maintenance, some more so than others. Ours just fall very far to the
"more so" side. At least we don't drive Trimuphs.
--
John Bange
'90 Vanagon - "Geldsauger"