Don't waste your time cleaning it, it's full of rust.  I just installed a
new tank ($175) from Van-Caf� and all the seals, hoses, lines, etc., except
the expansion tank on one side.  the grommets were still hard and not
leaking, and when they are like that It's difficult to remove them without
breaking off the nipple on the valve.  

The crossover pipe is above the radiator hoses/pipes so it has to be removed
to drop the tank. 

You might save a nickel or two taking it to a shop that will clean it out,
but I doubt it will be enough to be worth it. 

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Jim Felder
Sent: Saturday, August 11, 2012 7:39 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Question about removing fuel tank

My 2.1 2WD has a dirty fuel tank. So dirty, in fact, that when I pull the
rubber hose off of the pump, little or nothing comes out without some
compressed air going into the filler tube.

The car does not have any other leaking issue. In saying that, I mean that
the upper pipe, hoses and seals are not being a problem.

My question is (because I have never done this before on a vanagon) is there
a shortcut to pulling and replacing the tank that doesn't involve dealing
with all that stuff on top of the tank?

I plan to get the tank out and in the driveway where I can use a pressure
washer to remove the crud. Any tips on that will be appreciated as well.

Jim