The new fuel pump arrived this week along with a couple of filters, and even though I was able to repair (I think) the old plastic pump part that I broke, I decided to wait and put the new one on and keep the old for the spare.  Shaking my head ruefully at breaking the thing in the first place, I got that done this morning and fired it up to check my work.  Nice.  Pump purring away and engine running smoothly, I got out to check for leaks and spotted something dripping at the rear of the van.  Damn, is that the dreaded coolant leak I’ve been fearing?

It was then that my remaining hair stood up as I realized it was gas, and it was dripping onto the exhaust header.  Yeow!  Switched everything off and got out the fire extinguisher, just in case.  Crisis averted, I got back under and could not see anything, so pulled the engine cover and assorted airbox components until I could pinpoint the source; it’s the spot where that infamous plastic firewall fitting is located.  Back under the van I could see that the drip was on the forward side of the firewall and coming off the bottom of the fitting and hose.

I’ve been pretty cocky in the two years I’ve owned this Westy, confident that I got a good one and that its charm would hold forever.  Folks, I’ll be ordering the fuel line replacement kit this week, and if you are not CERTAIN that your van’s fuel lines have been replaced from tank to engine I would advise you to do the same.  I like my van, my life, my wife and our dog too much to do otherwise.