One of the best things that came with my '81 Westy was a pump type gas siphon.

imagen of type: http://www.nexternal.com/armynavy/images/538GAS.gif

I use it a lot; steal fuel for my lawnmower, lower the fuel level for
tank reseal job, etc. I travel with it in the van.

Maybe siphon off some fuel? Beyond that what you do is at your own risk.     :^)

Since your mechanic noticed frayed hoses, (where exactly?) you may be
due for a tank reseal. It's possible too that by lowering the tank,
movement imparted to a hose at a vent on tank caused it to fail (old
age). Or....

I'm not pointing fingers, but maybe the mechanic dropped the tank far
enough that the crossover pipe came loose? This pipe is installed
above the various pipes, e-brake cable etc., so it would remain in
position when tank dropped. I doubt that's the case though.

Neil.

On Thu, Jul 5, 2012 at 10:38 PM, Troy <colorworks@gci.net> wrote:

> I think I already know the answer to this, but here goes anyway. .....  the shop dropped the fuel tank a little bit as instructed by Van Cafe' to allow better access for the pipes. Ever since the stainless steel coolant pipe install, I've been smelling gas. I figure that the seals were probably disturbed from the vapor recovery system. The mechanics mentioned he saw some rotted ends on the fuel lines and trim them and reattached.

>
> After filling up tonight, I most certain have a leak. I think I got a good quart of fuel that overflowed on the ground, and dripping off the gas tank.

-- 
Neil n

65 kb image Myford Ready For Assembly  http://tinyurl.com/64sx4rp

'88 Slate Blue Westy to be named.

'81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"  http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/

Vanagon VAG Gas I4/VR Swap Google Group:

http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines