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Sat Sep 24, 2022 8:26 pm

We are driving our 76 bus for a little camping trip. We stopped for gas and I topped off the tank more than I usually do. We were also sitting with the drivers side down hill. I noticed a puddle of gas. Behind drivers rear tire. Source was right below spare wheel well. I parked the bus on level ground and dripping stopped. There is a rotten piece of fuel line about four inches long. Can the bus still be driven? Did I just over fill? We still have 100 miles to go.

Sat Sep 24, 2022 8:38 pm

is the rotten line in the fuel-delivery lines or in the vapor-recovery lines?

Sat Sep 24, 2022 8:41 pm

that is a good question. I know when I check out the ratwell diagram of fuel lines it does not show it. I did not know it even existed. It would be a very roundabout trip for the fuel if it headed back to the fuel pump

Sat Sep 24, 2022 8:42 pm

Sorry. I am trying on a phone. I did not mean to say that.

Sat Sep 24, 2022 9:08 pm

here’s ratwell’s diagram of fuel line:

thanks to remainsthesame

and,here’s scott’s diagram of the fuel vapor system:

thanks to allenrobins

what hose is shot AND is that the hose that’s leaking?

Sat Sep 24, 2022 9:13 pm

I believe it is the circled one. It seems like it would be tough under good conditions and I don’t think I want to tackle it on the side of the road at night. We have 200 mile AAA, so we have called for a tow. My wife mentioned that she smelled gas a couple of days ago and I assured her that o had replaced all of the hoses recently. Did not replace that one.

Sat Sep 24, 2022 9:22 pm

sounds like you made a sound decision about not driving home. i think the thing circled is not a hose, but a breather for the vapor recovery system that’s way up in the vent. but, i am far from an expert. just a driveway mechanic trying to lend a hand.

i do know that in my ‘78, when i used to over-top-off, i’d smell gas, and seem to remember a puddle on at least one occasion. that hasn’t happened since i changed all the hoses, and only go three clicks past the gas pump initial shut-off

still, as i said, when unsure with gasoline, better to play it safe.

good luck.

Sun Sep 25, 2022 12:30 pm

Well, through a series of events, we decided to head on in our travels. First AAA refuses to tow us since we had a bike rack on the back of the bus. We explained we could have it off in 5 minutes, but the poor driver has been on the road for 17 hours and couldn’t do the 100 mile trip to drop it off at our house. We were told we would have to wait 6 more hours for a tow. The original tow driver lived 8 blocks from where we were stuck. He called his neighbor who worked on VW’s and arranged for us to stop by at 11 pm. We cut a rubber hose and slid it over the cracked hose. 3 zip ties later we were on the road. WE we got to the top of the pass at around 3 am. Woke to the majestic Sierra mountains, made some coffee, and are now enjoying a burger in Tahoe before heading to our camping spot.

Sun Sep 25, 2022 1:55 pm

Just keep the tank at 3/4 or less until you get home then fix it right

Sun Sep 25, 2022 3:52 pm

there is a hose that sits between the spare tire and the body, hard to see without a flashlight. That is probably the culprit. If so, any piece of fuel hose that fits will work temp. Have someone take you into Truckee to get a foot of hose - it only takes a few inches.

That said, if the o-ring that sits under the gasoline sender is bad then it may leak on a full tank. If the hose isn't this issue then it may be that o-ring.

Mon Sep 26, 2022 6:58 am

AAA is rapidly falling apart as drivers refuse to take calls, the ap freezing up, service call center just hanging up or not putting through the request. Better to directly call a local tow company. Good job doing the roadside repair and happy trails.

Mon Sep 26, 2022 7:10 am

Pictures help a ton in times like this, but I'm glad you're on the road and safe. Enjoy the mountains!

I thought your bus looked familiar, I nabbed a Hub Cyclery shirt when I was visiting my brother at SSU a few years ago. 8)

Safe travels,
Robbie

Tue Sep 27, 2022 2:25 pm

Thank you for the replies. We have been out of cell service and can only get it when sitting on the beach of Lake Tahoe drinking beer. Some weird cosmic thing. Right now the hose is completely wrapped and zip tied so I feel confident as I can be for the trip home. My wife is really pushing to camp an extra night so that we would leave early Saturday morning to be back at our bike shop by noon. I am pushing for a Friday afternoon trip so that we won’t feel the need to push it on the way home. We came in over Hwy 4 which goes over Ebbets pass and into the town of Markleeville. It is where the Death Ride bicycle ride happens every year. 128 miles over 5 mountain passes. We have done it about a dozen times. 3 or 4 times on our tandem. We will head over Hwy 50 to interstate 80 for the way home. Not a fun drive in an old bus, but not too many alternatives.

Tue Sep 27, 2022 2:34 pm