Read closer ".to allow the hot air duct to pass from rear to front on air
cooled Vanagons." In other words this was how we heated the cabin since we
didn't have water to heat the air. In my case, I now use the duct to run my
coolant hose from the Subaru engine up to the radiator.

Ryan

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Todd Last
Sent: Friday, September 22, 2006 10:21 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Reason for Saddle-shaped gas tank

GoWesty writes....

" Interestingly, the depression down the middle was put there to allow the
hot air duct to pass from rear to front on air cooled Vanagons. Even though
there is no purpose for it now, and even though 90% of all Vanagons ever
produced were water-cooled, the fuel tank design never changed. Go figure.."

Is this true?

I thought all the cooling air came through the side vents at the rear of the
van...

and if this is necessary... why did none of the type II vans have it??

Seems a rather suspect explanation to me...   If anything, I thought it
would be there to help the air exit after the radiator for the water cooled
models.

Todd

'88 Westy

 -------------- Original message ----------------------

From: Gerald Masar <azsun99@EARTHLINK.NET>

> You can see a write-up on the problem here:

>     http://www.gowesty.com/fueltank_reseal.htm

> Other vendors carry the parts as well.

> Jerry

>

> ----- Original Message -----

> From: "mad madeline" <mac10wv@YAHOO.COM>

> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>

> Sent: Friday, September 22, 2006 8:07 AM

> Subject: Gas Smell

>

>

> > Whenever we fill our van up, we smell gasoline near the filler tube for

> awhile...

> any ideas?  Can't find any leaks, thought we did have one hose replaced
that was

> leaking... near the engine.  Madeline

> >

> > ---------------------------------

> > Get your own web address for just $1.99/1st yr. We'll help. Yahoo! Small

> Business.

> >