re
"Filled the van up, and gas poured out the bottom. "     ( prolly means
poured out the bottom of the fuel tank in front on a 2WD vanagon )

This sounds like a very common 'fuel tank syndrome' which is not even that
big a problem, or not 'disaster' by itself,  let's say.

there are vent grommets on top of the fuel tank, and vent lines.
they commonly leak, and when you top off the tank ....you smell gas for a
while...
if it's really bad, gas will come out.
That it leaked even more when lifted or tilted by a tow truck points even
more to this syndrome.

People are much better able to offer advice and information if you say year
and model.

all we know right now is 'gasoline vanagon' ( not diesel )
it could be an air-cooled one, or a waterboxer ( both have the same fuel
tank )
or it could be a syncro ..
and they have a 'whole other' tank system.

of course, in the moment of panic ....it didn't occur to say what year and
model.

chances are, based on the scanty information provided,  it's the typical
leaking seals on the fuel tank syndrome on a 2WD vanagon.
Happens all the time.
there are rubber -like seals or grommets on top of the tank, at the filler
neck, and at the fuel level sender.
Those seals just get old.

A little smell when topping off the tank is not usually a 'big fire danger.'
Pouring out ...gotta fix that of course.
and you took the conservative approach ., so that's good.

Scott
www.turbovans.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "Samantha" <yfsami@YAHOO.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, May 06, 2010 1:31 PM
Subject: extreme gas leak!

Hey guys, you are all so lovely, let me tell you first. Thanks for letting
me pick your brains!

Anyways, loaded the van up with my cartoon friends to go on a mini trip to
the city. Filled the van up, and gas poured out the bottom. Car puttered out
and would not restart as we ascended a mountain on the way back home. Had to
get a tow (buddy had free towing with their wireless package). When the tow
got to us, he yanked Mean Mr. Mustard up on the bed and MOREEE gas poured
out!

Thankful that we brought our guitars harmonicas and kazoos, made a long wait
much easier.

Any pertinent information to this problem though would be a blessin'. We are
in the very beginning stages of learning to work on Mr. Mustard.

Thanks,
Samantha