Sounds like you may have issues with failing gas tank seals and/or
flexible portions of venting lines.

The seals on the gas tank get old and leak. As do the flexible hoses
that connect to the hard lines. I'm not certain about the plastic
hoses, but the braided or rubber flexible pieces of hose will
deteriorate over time.

At the very least, check the condition of flexible portions of line to
each expansion tank. (plastic tank in each front fender well) These
will likely give an indicator as to the condition of the other
flexible hoses. I'm not certain, but you should be able to shine a
light in behind each front wheel and have a look at some of the other
lines coming from the gas tank itself. I can't recall right now, but
you may even be able to inspect the seal between filler neck and tank.

To re do all of the seals hoses etc. you have to drop the gas tank.
It's something that has to be done once in a while during the life
span of any Vanagon.

You smell fuel, so have a look or take it to a mechanic soon.  --- :^)

Cheers,

Neil.

On Wed, Apr 30, 2008 at 5:50 PM, Phil Cappellini
<philcappellini@hotmail.com> wrote:
> I think I may have a gas venting problem? The following things happen:I find when filling my 86 Vanagon, that it easily over flows. Sometimes when I know it is close to full I slow it right down to avoid the over spill. After filling it never seems to start on the first crank. It will usually start on the second or third crank. Finally when the tank is about half empty/full I start smelling gas in the cab. This will last for a while then disappears.Is this a venting problem? Is it an easy fix? Any suggestions? Thanks.
>
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--
Neil Nicholson. 1981 Air Cooled Westfalia - "Jaco"

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