this is a classic fuel 'seep'.  Have seen it a number of times. on vanagons.
there's a 'firewall plastic fitting' ...........
it's bolted to the firewall right above the stater, more or less.
The feed from the fuel tank to the  fuel rail or 'fuel loop' on the engine
goes through this fitting.
hoses are crimped onto both ends of it.
I've seen them leak on the 'other' side of the firewall...........away from
the engine side of the firewall.

the repair is .......
cut that crimp type hose clamp off and put on a screw type.
better yet, bypass that firewall plastic fitting gizmo entirely , and get a
barbed brass hose connector from your FLAPS........
and install it, with screw type hose clamps, to join the hoses.  And toss
that firewall fitting gizmo.

very early vans, like 83 waterboxer may have a metal fitting there. Those I
trust more. The plastic ones, no.
scott
www.turbovans.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "Joseph Fortino" <fortino1@EARTHLINK.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, August 04, 2008 10:09 AM
Subject: Joe's 85GL

> Hello All,
>
> Well hmm, how do i start off. ok my baby 85gl has been hangin out in a
> garage for the
> last ahhh 4month? dont drive it much these days, since i live 2miles from
> work :) shes safe
> and sound, but i should have disconnected the battery before storing it.
> Doh.
>
> Question all my fuel lines and other idems are in great order, but has
> anyone heard of gas leaking
> near the starter motor? yes my battery was dry and after little cranking
> it leaked just a couple
> drops. Nothing since! what causes this? just flooded a bit since battery
> was bone dry on juice.
>
> I'm totaly careful with any type of gas leaks. and do understand that it
> can be a fire bomb!
>
> No leaks tho- all lines look good. wow she was happy to get rolling again,
> such a nice baby..
> remember they hear us ;-P
>
> Thanks,
> Joe
>
> Have a nice Day :)