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tommylg Samba Member
Joined: August 12, 2013 Posts: 154 Location: murfresboro tn
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Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2025 3:59 am Post subject: fuel filler pipe seals |
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The "rubber band" seals are installed on the pipe prior to fitting the hose.
Question:where exactly do they go on the pipe.
I ask because I have read multiple posts and did not get a definitive answer.
I am considering using 3M Upholstery trim to glue them in place and warm up the hose for ease in application. Sound good?
Happy Tuesday,
Tommy _________________ 1972 Super |
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OldSchoolVW's  Samba Member

Joined: July 03, 2020 Posts: 1622 Location: San Diego
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Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2025 4:23 pm Post subject: Re: fuel filler pipe seals |
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As I recall there is a flair on the pipe and the bands you speak of would sit against the flair. When I installed the smell kit from WW they were to be installed dry. Since gas is a solvent, I'd think twice before using any type of adhesive to attach those bands. I wouldn't want any kind of goop wicking it way into the fuel tank and fuel lines.
Yes, heat up the hose, but you'll still have to muscle it on. I spent a week one afternoon putting that smell kit on. It's a chore, but worth it ... haven't had a whiff of gas since. _________________ Tom
"Following distance is proportional to IQ."
"It's okay to think."
"If you don't do it this year, you'll be one year older when you do." Warren Miller
'63 Beetle Sedan
'69 Beetle Sunroof
'70 Beetle Sedan
'73 Type 3 Fastback |
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Cusser Samba Member

Joined: October 02, 2006 Posts: 33556 Location: Hot Arizona
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Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2025 7:27 pm Post subject: Re: fuel filler pipe seals |
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I replaced the two factory big filler hoses on my 1970 back in 2018, did not use any rubber band type seals, and get no smell. This job was tougher than it should be !!!!
_________________ 1970 VW (owned since 1972) and 1971 VW Convertible (owned since 1976), second owner of each. The '71 now has the 1835 engine, swapped from the '70. Second owner of each. 1988 Mazda B2200 truck, 1998 Frontier, 2014 Yukon, 2004 Frontier King Cab. All manual transmission except for the Yukon. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335294 http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335297 |
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KTPhil  Samba Member

Joined: April 06, 2006 Posts: 36422 Location: Conejo Valley, CA
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Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2025 10:14 am Post subject: Re: fuel filler pipe seals |
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Those "fat rubber bands" are the actual sealing membranes. In a late Type 3, they are submerged when the tank is full.
I often had them roll under when I slip the hose over the pipe. I now lube it on the outside with "spa lube" a heat (and gas?) tolerant type of vaseline, and then it doesn't catch and foul the sleeve. Lube the inside of the hard thick hose, too, so it slides on smoothly without friction. _________________ Current Fleet:
- '71 Fastback
- '69 Westfalia
Retired:
- '67 Beetle
- '65 Beetle (x2)
- '65 Bus
- '71 Squareback |
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kpf Samba Member

Joined: March 01, 2017 Posts: 1061 Location: California, US
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Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2025 11:19 am Post subject: Re: fuel filler pipe seals |
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I agree that the "bands" should go on dry, just past the barb.
I found that these giant "radiator hose picks" are the way to get the thick filler hose onto the tank filler.
https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/specialty...69592.html
Use plenty of lubrication and walk the hose on using the pick and lots of muscle. _________________ 1971 Super Beetle |
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tommylg Samba Member
Joined: August 12, 2013 Posts: 154 Location: murfresboro tn
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Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2025 11:57 am Post subject: Re: fuel filler pipe seals |
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I heated the bands and the pipe to body seal for about 2 hours on simmer.
I did not use adhesive and misted the pipe w/PB Silicone spray.
All 3 went on pretty easily w/the help of a dull knife.
I placed the bands over the "nubs" and I think I will get a great seal.
The pipe hose is next w/the same process.
Please do not hesitate w/thought or guidance.
Good Wednesday,
Tommy _________________ 1972 Super |
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