I would suggest as Jeff alluded to and go to another smog check place.  Not
sure where
you're at but I'd try to get it done in a larger metropoliton area where
there is more competition
for your dollars.....

Steven

On Mon, Apr 2, 2012 at 9:41 PM, Jeff <vw.doka@gmail.com> wrote:

> Hopefully, it's not a bad hose between the float valves on top of the tank.
> Those suckers loop around and are a pain to replace on the Syncro.
>
> Fact is, the evap system on the Vanagons is sketchy at best.  The 2WD is
> bad, the Syncro is worse.  Many won't pass the CA smog evap test, but
> then... most smog stations skip that step on Vanagons since they haven't a
> clue where to pinch the line for the test.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Jeff
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> Dennis Haynes
> Sent: Monday, April 02, 2012 8:41 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Failed Ca Smog due to Evaporative leak
>
> On the Syncro the carbon canister is located in the left rear wheel well,
> mounted on the side of the upper spring perch. There are two gravity vent
> valves on top of the fuel tank but these rarely give trouble. Things to
> look
> for are of course the evap hoses and the valve that is connected to the
> vent
> system. It is located near the air filter. A shop that deals with this will
> have the means to pressure test including a smoke machine to locate the
> leaks before tearing things apart.
>
> Dennis
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> KKALnSF
> Sent: Monday, April 02, 2012 11:19 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Failed Ca Smog due to Evaporative leak
>
> We failed our first smog check ever. We were told the evaporative systems
> containment is leaking on our 87 Syncro.
>
> We discussed the results with a local VW mechanic.
> He said the leak could be anywhere in the evap system and that if it is the
> charcoal canister or any of the hoses that connect to it that we will need
> to remove the fuel tank because the canister is on top of the fuel tank.
>
> If the fuel tank needs to be removed, he said the engine and transmission
> will need to be removed to gain access.
>
> Really? I know the fuel tank is in the rear on the Syncro, but remove the
> engine and transmission to gain access doesn't seem correct.
>
> Anyone have any experience with this type of issue?
>