Thanks to everyone who responded.  Sorry if I wasn't clear.  My mileage (MPG) hasn't decreased, but the amount i can travel on one tank seems to have (although I haven't run it dry - just let it get to the usual low point in the Reserve).  Just for kicks i'm going to run it dry this weekend.

So since it never reads full, and i have no reason to believe the tank is squished, i wonder if it's a ground issue or the voltage stabilizer issue.  I believe the VR also affects the temp gauge as well?

I will get on my hands and knees on the weekend to look.   I am ashamed for being so lazy but between work and kid I haven't had time to look.  And i couldn't wait to ask!

Thanks again
Jeff
85 Westfalia (2wd)

On 2010-06-23, at 1:47 AM, Scott Daniel - Turbovans wrote:

> to the original poster...
> re
> So when filling my tank the gauge never reads "Full" anymore, and
>> I'm getting about 15% worse mileage.  Does that sound consistent
>> with others who've had their tank squished when up on the lift?
> 
> if the tank was squished in from the bottom,
> the fuel level sender float would still be able to max out at the top of the
> tank..
> giving a reading of 'full.' ..unless it's stuck somehow.
> 
> fuel capacity isn't related to fuel mileage,
> unless you mean you used to go X miles on a tank and now you go 15 % fewer
> miles on a tank. ..
> that would be consistent with squished tank, but otherwise being squished on
> the bottom shouldn't affect fuel mileage, like miles per gallon.
> 
> I would test the fuel gauge by finding that wire where it enters the
> instrument cluster at plug T14 and ground that wire, ( like you removed it
> from the level sender and grounded it that way ) then turn on the key
> .....that should make the needle swing to very full, in a few seconds.
> Normally you'd do that test at the sender, but that's hard to do ....2WD I'm
> guessing.
> 
> I would also think about the little voltage stabilizer gizmo on the back of
> the instrument cluster...
> any time there is gauge weirdness, you consider that part - they go bad.
> And ground connections always, of course.
> Scott
> www.turbovans.com
> 
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "BenT Syncro" <syncro@GMAIL.COM>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 2010 8:47 PM
> Subject: Re: squished gas tank?
> 
> 
>> Depends on the size of the squish. The squish on my 2wd Doka took away
>> 25% of the total capacity.
>> 
>> 
>> BenT
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> On Jun 22, 2010, at 8:12 PM, Jeff Palmer <jpalmer@MTS.NET> wrote:
>> 
>>> So when filling my tank the gauge never reads "Full" anymore, and
>>> I'm getting about 15% worse mileage.  Does that sound consistent
>>> with others who've had their tank squished when up on the lift?
>>> 
>>> Thanks
>>> Jeff
>>> 85 Westfalia GL