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warezdog
Samba Member
Joined: November 24, 2016
Posts: 25
Location: Southwest Florida
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 Posted: Thu May 11, 2017 6:20 pm Post subject: Re: Permanent Fix for Vanagon Fuel Tank Vents |
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| djkeev wrote: |
They are beautiful (makes me miss having a metal lathe) but they don't solve the base problem of the rubber grommets decaying and leaking.
Dave |
Ya lack of lathe kills it for me but I love the look.
Going with your method, seems to be a proven solution and since I'm going new tank and fittings for my daughters van I want to do it only once and not worry about it. |
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mad.macs
Samba Member
Joined: August 17, 2007
Posts: 230
Location: Woolwich Maine
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| Posted: Thu May 11, 2017 5:53 am Post subject: Re: Permanent Fix for Vanagon Fuel Tank Vents |
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True, it does not address all of the issues, my grommets were OK, one of the Tees was cracked, and the crossover tube was partially rotted. Seeing that kits were $70-$90 and still used Nylon Tees, and expensive hose, I just wanted to get the cost down for future repairs. Since I don't need expensive hoses, and these Tees will last theoretically forever, I'm still going to call it a win.
Maybe someday I'll fab up an 18 Gal, no saddle tank, with just one vent.
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'84 Rivi Vanagon Auto Trans, Stock WBX |
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32987
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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warezdog
Samba Member
Joined: November 24, 2016
Posts: 25
Location: Southwest Florida
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| Posted: Wed May 10, 2017 7:56 pm Post subject: Re: Permanent Fix for Vanagon Fuel Tank Vents |
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| Well I don't have metal lathe so that shoots that idea but boy do those look great! |
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mad.macs
Samba Member
Joined: August 17, 2007
Posts: 230
Location: Woolwich Maine
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| Posted: Wed May 10, 2017 7:05 pm Post subject: Re: Permanent Fix for Vanagon Fuel Tank Vents |
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The main body is made from 1" Naval Brass rod, turned on my WWII vintage lathe. I used standard 1/4 in and 3/8 hose barbs from the hardware store and turned the threads off. I don't have a 3/8 pipe tap.. I hand drilled the holes for the fitting, and Soldered them into the holes.
The large fitting I out in at 30° and the 1/4 inch is at 45°.
They took an Hour and a half to make I think.
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'84 Rivi Vanagon Auto Trans, Stock WBX |
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warezdog
Samba Member
Joined: November 24, 2016
Posts: 25
Location: Southwest Florida
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| Posted: Wed May 10, 2017 6:44 pm Post subject: Re: Permanent Fix for Vanagon Fuel Tank Vents |
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| mad.macs wrote: |
I made my own set of tank vents today I think i got away with around $12 in brass for each fitting, but the best part is it uses standard fuel line now. I have 3 vans to do this to, so I was looking for a chapter way out than the $70-90 for a premade kit that still uses hard to find hoses.
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NICE!!
Details PLEASE PURDY PURDY PLEASE!! Part numbers, source, links, ANYTHING!!
OH and thank-you! |
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mad.macs
Samba Member
Joined: August 17, 2007
Posts: 230
Location: Woolwich Maine
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| Posted: Wed May 10, 2017 6:34 pm Post subject: Re: Permanent Fix for Vanagon Fuel Tank Vents |
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I made my own set of tank vents today I think i got away with around $12 in brass for each fitting, but the best part is it uses standard fuel line now. I have 3 vans to do this to, so I was looking for a chapter way out than the $70-90 for a premade kit that still uses hard to find hoses.
[/img]
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'84 Rivi Vanagon Auto Trans, Stock WBX |
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warezdog
Samba Member
Joined: November 24, 2016
Posts: 25
Location: Southwest Florida
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| Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2017 7:02 pm Post subject: Re: Permanent Fix for Vanagon Fuel Tank Vents |
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Hate to be the one to beat a dead thread back to life but redoing a 82 westy for my daughter and the tank is shot so I'd like to do this mod when I buy a new tank.
Soooooo are these still available? |
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32987
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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BoxsterGT
Samba Member
Joined: June 07, 2010
Posts: 80
Location: Stow, MA
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| Posted: Tue Feb 14, 2012 11:51 am Post subject: |
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akvan-
Nice to hear the job is complete. Good to learn about the other grommets, just can't get away from them I guess.
Sorry, I never thought to say to use clamps, but they are necessary. Would you advise on longer hoses so theres less chance of binding? Do you remember what length you used?
Very happy it worked out. I certainly hope this is as permanent a "Fuel Tank Vent Fix" as possible.
Brickwerks-
Thank you for the lead. I have contacted them.
Len
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Brickwerks
Samba Member
Joined: April 11, 2010
Posts: 214
Location: West Yorkshire - UK
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| Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2012 1:59 pm Post subject: |
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Looks like a JesseLai tank.
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| whynotvw wrote: |
| I see you wanna start some shit. whats your fuckin probelm? your selling your measly shitty products. bloody brit |
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akvan
Samba Member
Joined: October 14, 2011
Posts: 1
Location: United States
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| Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2012 8:38 pm Post subject: Tank/Permafittings installed- Sitka Alaska- almost |
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Len, finally done after second attempt. Two problems on first install- not related to the fittings but perhaps worth mention.
First the cross vent hose came loose- I used no clamps on advice that it would create wear and fatigue from the binding. Instead it caused it to pop off and leak on fill up. Clamped 2nd time. The other problem: water (water in fuel was why I dropped the tank) returned after draining tank.
Found water/sand crud in Driver's side evap tank; it was then draining back into the fuel tank. Bagged and tie wrapped roll over valves; completed fuel tank install; ordered new roll over valve grommets and will complete job when they arrive.
Fittings are great. Van runs much better when not trying to use dirt and water for fuel. Thanks Len! Shouldn't need to fuss with the fittings until I need another new tank in thirty years.
However, Vanagon owners should check and replace the roll over valve grommets if they have not been recently replaced. |
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thummmper
Samba Member
Joined: November 25, 2009
Posts: 2015
Location: Meadow Valley, California Republic
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| Posted: Tue Jan 03, 2012 11:07 pm Post subject: |
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ya see, some people might think i was stealing your thread, but...NOT.
photos inspire. You are ahead of me in remedying the oe tank config.
It's the best I have seen yet
I am so tempted to vent about the tank vents, but you already know that one. good work. This is support, not a contest. |
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RadioRental
Samba Member
Joined: June 30, 2009
Posts: 555
Location: stow, ma
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| Posted: Tue Jan 03, 2012 8:43 am Post subject: |
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I had the first install of this. Two thumbs up.
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'87 2.1. 125K 4spd Not rebuilt "Red Dwarf" |
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dhaavers
Samba Member
Joined: March 19, 2010
Posts: 8375
Location: NE MN (tinyurl.com/dhaaverslocation)
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| Posted: Tue Jan 03, 2012 6:08 am Post subject: |
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Looks good! Time to post an ad...
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86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS> |
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BoxsterGT
Samba Member
Joined: June 07, 2010
Posts: 80
Location: Stow, MA
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| Posted: Tue Jan 03, 2012 6:03 am Post subject: Fuel Tank Vent Fix |
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For those of you interested, I now have determined the costs to make these fuel tank vent plugs.
The hardware, crush washer, machine work and a small fee for my efforts adds up to $29 per plug. You need (3) plugs so the total is $87.
I offer a special tool to install the driver's side vent plug. It is almost impossible to do without this. You may buy this outright for $35; or buy it, use it & return it for a $20 refund.
This gives you a sealed tank with threaded openings to accept any standard Metric fuel fitting & hose combination you prefer.
I can supply the Metric fuel fittings consisting of (2) Double Banjos w bolts, (1) machined straight fitting, and (5) crush washers for the amount of $69.
I offer the latest & best German Multi-Fuel hose available in the correct size & length for an additional $39.
Everything is shipped by USPS International Priority Mail and it typically takes (3) days coast to coast for delivery.
I think this covers it.
Happy to answer any questions by email, or call me at Auto Sport, Stow, Mass, USA.
Len Cummings
BoxsterGT
Last edited by BoxsterGT on Mon Jan 09, 2012 5:57 am; edited 3 times in total |
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BoxsterGT
Samba Member
Joined: June 07, 2010
Posts: 80
Location: Stow, MA
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| Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2012 9:01 am Post subject: |
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insyncro-
Happy to help. Have never seen a syncro tank but if it uses a similar method of venting then my system might work.
Don't know about the tool, as it was made for the front mounted gas tank.
eMail me w contact info or call 978-562-7300 (w) & we can meet.
Len
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insyncro
Banned
Joined: March 07, 2002
Posts: 15086
Location: New York
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| Posted: Sat Dec 31, 2011 10:41 am Post subject: |
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Len,
Since we are somewhat closeby to each other, I would like to offer a spare Syncro gas tank to you or I will install your parts in that tank and see if it will fit in the very tight space the Syncro provides for the vents.
I have two Syncros with the tanks out currently.
Let me know.
Happy New Year. |
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BoxsterGT
Samba Member
Joined: June 07, 2010
Posts: 80
Location: Stow, MA
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| Posted: Sat Dec 31, 2011 9:21 am Post subject: |
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So far, (2) out of (3) sent out have reported back with a "thumbs up".
One fellow in Alaska has not reported back, but that is understandable given his location & the season.
My own Doka einz (#1) project involves modifying the tank for more capacity, plus it has a Porsche engine transplant ongoing, so its a long way away from using the vent fix kit.
I also have a Doka zwei (#2) that is a new member of the family, so that may be the one that gets tested by me first. At least the principle of a permanent fix has been proven.
Best wishes for a safe, happy & prosperous New Year to all.
Len
Last edited by BoxsterGT on Mon Jan 09, 2012 5:56 am; edited 1 time in total |
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RadioRental
Samba Member
Joined: June 30, 2009
Posts: 555
Location: stow, ma
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| Posted: Wed Nov 16, 2011 5:39 pm Post subject: |
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I was the 'test' for this setup.
As far as I know, all these vanagon tanks have to rolled edges as they're designed for the rubber grommet.
The installation is fairly self explanatory. Refer up the thread to my tank with the fittings installed. There's little step-by-step difference between this kit and using the original grommet design except for the bolts. The fuel system/flow is unchanged.
You insert the three banjo bolts down in to the tank. Spacers (for rolled edge) and nuts go on inside the tank. Len has made a special tool to get the nut on on the drivers side. Threadlock everything, fit the fuel hose except for the passenger side crossover pipe - that goes on after the tank is up.
This is a simple but laborious job. I'm not mechanically inclined, you just need to make sure you good sense of 'tight enough' for the banjo bolts and hose clamps. Getting the tank back up is a PITA, this or any other kit.
Just attack it and if you get stuck, ask samba
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'87 2.1. 125K 4spd Not rebuilt "Red Dwarf" |
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