Just turn the key to 'on', listen for the pump to run and shut off,
Then do it again, maybe three times, you're system will be pressured up, and
you can go check hoses.
Or jumper the fuel pump at the fuel pump relay which takes about one minute
once you know how - it's in Bentley, then you can have running fuel pump and
pressurized system without running the engine.

You also don't have to be 'deathly afraid' of running the engine for a
minute or two if there is a small leak. 
If a leak were to come in contact with ignition voltage somehow, sure ,
instant fire, but never crank an engine with a coil wire laying loose or
something like that of course, 

Here, this would be perfect - use your Remote Starter Switch to hot wire the
fuel pump, then you can lean right over the non-running engine, push your
button, and carefully look at all hoses and connections.  If you see a leak,
just let go of the button.
Scott
www.turbovans.com  
As far as I'm concerned it's not possible to work on a car without a remote
starter switch in your bag of tricks. 
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
azsun99
Sent: Wednesday, December 19, 2007 3:42 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: can I start/run eng. w/o MAS/air cleaner assemb?

I finally finished replacing most of the FI hoses in the engine compartment,
new
protective sleeve, new firewall fitting ( I know, I should have bypassed it,
but it
came in the kit), everything except the return hose from the FPR.
Now the moment of truth. I need to start it up and check for leaks, which
will be
easier on the right side without the air cleaner assembly in the way. Will
it start
and run for a short time without that??

Thanks for the replies to my previous question about pressure on the fuel
return-to-tank side. I don't want to spend anymore time on this right now.
And all of
the hoses actually were in good shape, none of the cracking, crumbling, etc.
that Ben
refers to.
Thanks again,
Jerry