What exactly does the Fuel Tank Re-Seal Kit for my Syncro Vanagon include, and what's crucial to know about installation?

This kit is specifically for Vanagon Syncro (4WD) models and contains all the essential hoses for your fuel tank's feed, return, and vent lines, plus a T-connector for the vent line and two high-quality DuroGreen gaskets for the sending unit. Importantly, installation requires the complete removal of the engine and transmission. Due to this complexity, it's designed for EXPERT/PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION ONLY. While we include stainless steel ear clamps, you'll need Oetiker pincers separately for installation.

I see a 'Regular' and 'Deluxe' option. What's the difference, and which one should I get for my Vanagon fuel system?

The main difference lies in the inclusion of the in-tank return line. The 'Deluxe' option includes this part, while the 'Regular' kit does not. We highly recommend the 'Deluxe' version if the in-tank return line on your Vanagon hasn't been replaced recently. This ensures a more comprehensive fuel tank reseal, addressing potential issues related to that specific component.

Why aren't vapor tank grommets included in this fuel tank kit, and do I need them?

Vapor tank grommets aren't included because they are located at the top of the vapor tanks, exposed only to fuel vapor, not liquid fuel – making them unlikely sources of typical fuel leaks. Accessing them also requires removing the tanks, a separate job. The kit *does* include the crucial hoses at the bottom of the vapor tanks, which are exposed to liquid fuel. These can be replaced without tank removal, even if you're having a professional install the rest of the kit.

What makes the clamps and hoses in this Vanagon fuel tank kit superior to standard parts?

We've equipped this kit with superior stainless steel 'ear clamps.' These provide more even pressure and a secure, long-lasting fit without cutting your lines, and they resist loosening over time. The included German-made hose is equivalent to the '30R9' specification, featuring a fluoroelastomer lining. This means it offers significantly reduced fuel permeability and excellent resistance to today's aggressive fuel blends, ensuring a more durable and reliable fuel tank system.

Thumbnail of Fuel Tank Re-Seal Kit [Syncro]

Fuel Tank Re-Seal Kit [Syncro]

Product:	VANOTANK-SYNCRO
Works With:	1986-1991
Manufacturer:	Quality Aftermarket
Restock ETA:
Availability:
Wrench Rating:	Requires professional-level tools, talent and experience.

$306.00 - $316.00

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Proposition 65: This product may contain chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

This is a complete fuel tank re-seal kit for your Vanagon Syncro (4WD). The installation of this kit requires the complete removal of the engine and transmission from the vehicle. This kit is for expert/professional installation ONLY.

Fits: All 1986-91 Syncro models, including single and double cab trucks.

Kit includes: All hoses to replace the feed and return lines out of the tank, the T-connector in the vent line, our unique stainless ear clamps, a DuroGreen filler neck grommet, and the two DuroGreen gaskets needed to re-seal the sending unit. Vapor tank grommets are not included. See "Notes" tab for more info.

Options: We offer this kit both with and without the in-tank return line. We HIGHLY recommend that you replace it if you have not already purchased this fuel hose by itself or with our Sending Unit Service Kit .

GoWesty does not include the grommets or vapor control valves at the top of the vapor tanks for the following reasons:

1) These are located at the top of the vapor tanks and are not subject to coming in contact with liquid fuel, just fuel vapor; therefore, it really has nothing to do with the common fuel leaking issue for which this kit is designed to address.

2) The vent valve is made from a material that gets very brittle over time, making it almost impossible to remove either the hose from it, or it from the grommet and vapor tank without destroying the valve, so it is better left alone.

3) In order to get to these items, one has to remove the vapor tanks—which is an entirely separate job from re-sealing the fuel tank, and can be done at any time as a separate project, if/as needed so there is no duplication of effort.

4) The two hoses that connect at the bottom of the vapor tanks are subject to liquid fuel and should be replaced. These are included in our kit, as is everything else that is typically needed to fix the fuel leak issue in a Vanagon.

5) These two hoses can be replaced without removing the tanks. If you are having this kit installed professionally, the time and money saved by not removing the tanks/valves can be considerably high.

6) The tanks rarely go bad because, unlike the material that the valves are made of, the material the tanks are made of is much tougher.

Special note: Our kit utilizes ear clamps, which are far superior to traditional screw-on clamps—they don't cut into the fuel line, they provide even force around the circumference of the hose, and they won't loosen like screw-type clamps.(Installation requires a pair of Oetiker pincers, sold separately.) We also use the more expensive smooth 7mm German hose, not the cloth-braided stuff—it is equivalent to the highly-touted "30R9" U.S. spec fuel line, and it is lined with a fluoroelastomer compound that significantly reduces the permeability of the hose, and it has a much higher resistance to today's aggressive fuel blends.

Syncro Fuel Tank Re-Seal Kit Installation Instructions

What is Viton you ask?

Well, Viton is a fluorocarbon-based fluoroelastomer. Cool! It is considered one of the best synthetic rubber materials available. It is known for its ability to withstand extreme temperatures and fluid resistance, making it the ideal material for harsh environments. It is often used in the aerospace and automotive industries where exposure to high temperatures, fuel, oil, and other chemicals is common. It is tough and durable, with great abrasion and tear resistance. It is famous for its fluid resistance and ability to withstand exposure to aggressive fuels, oils, acids, gases, hydrocarbons, and other chemicals. Viton also has a strong resistance to UV exposure, oxidation, ozone, weathering, and molds. So yeah, it is really good stuff!

The material used to make this Viton (FKM) product conforms to the following testing standards: ASTM D-2240, D-412, D-792, D-573, and D-471

At GoWesty, we know materials matter—especially when it comes to elastic polymer (“rubber”) parts. Do you ever wonder why OEM parts seem to last many years, but often the replacement parts break down in a matter of months? It’s because manufacturers had to support every part of their vehicles for at least ten years or suffer the consequences of customer dissatisfaction and ultimately loss of sales. The devil is in the details when it comes to the stuff of which parts are made. Just because it looks the same doesn’t mean it is the same! You can have two identical-looking parts in your hand and one of them might be complete junk. If you have a DuroGreen GoWesty part in your hand, you can rest assured it is made of the very best, high-quality material for the application.

We make our proprietary polymer parts green so you can tell it is a genuine, properly engineered, maximum-durability part available only from GoWesty!

Every DuroGreen product comes with a 10-year, no-hassle, 100% satisfaction guarantee.

No-questions-asked refunds are available within the first six months. If you don’t like it, return it for a full refund.

10-year replacement warranty coverage applies to the original owner for any DuroGreen item that is used for the intended application.

Coverage applies to material defects only. If a product fails within the coverage period, we’ll replace it.

Labor and shipping fees are excluded.