In a message dated 97-09-09 11:01:38 EDT, ddf@PACBELL.NET writes:

<<     Well, I have now replaced all the parts that I know of in the Fuel
 Gauge system on my 83.5 in an attempt to not take the thing to the
 dealer and his "VAG" tester. The gauge is still flakey, and van runs out
 of gas before gauge reads empty. No dent in tank. I have replaced
 sending unit, gauge and voltage regulator/stabilizer. Any further
 suggestions?
  >>
Here is one....figure out your "new empty location on the guage" and avoid
it.
Seriously, I had a '80 Westy with the same problem, despite my similar
attemps to fix it, it remaind a frustrating mystery.  I started to carry a
spare gas tank ( with gas of course ) at all times.....there is a cool one
that fits in the spare tire....think I saw it on www.vanagon.com.  Good luck.

Harry Findley
'90 Westy "The Blue Goose"