John

If the gas-tank is close to empty it's not very difficult to remove. It's
easier with a floorjack, but it can be done with a scissors jack or even
blocks of wood.
The easiest way to get access if you're working on the ground is to drive
both LEFT wheels up on ramps, so the van leans over to the right.

Replace ALL the rubber grommets (3 small, one large for the filler pipe.)
It is not necessary to remove the overflow tanks (inside the fenderwells).

When you pull out the small plastic fittings, the grommets will most likely
come out with the fitting. Easiest re-assembly is to put the new grommet into
the tank opening and the pushing the plastic fitting into it.

When you go to the dealer to buy the large grommet for the filler-pipe, bring
your VIN number, there are at least two different sizes of
filler-pipe/grommet.

Suggested procedure: (based on actual experience):

1. Drain the tank! (Drain out of the fuel-line to the engine and/or the fuel
return) when it stops coming out, it's low enough. Plug the lines you drained
the tank through!

2. Remove the 3? screws holding the fillerneck to the body.

3. Pull the crossover pipe up outof  the tank. (This plastic pipe crosses
above the steel radiator pipes going to the front of the car.) It goes into
the tank in two places.

4. Support the tank.

5. Remove the 2 steel straps holding the tank.

6. Lower the tank gently. As it begins to come down, pull out the filler
neck, pull off the vent hoses and unplug the fuel-gage sender wire.

7. Re-assembly is basically the reverse.

Erik V.
84 Vanagon
87 Vanagon
too many rabbits...