JP Group Fuel Expansion Tank, Left or Right — VW Vanagon 1980–1991 (JP-3141-0 / JP-3142-0)

Short answer: JP Group JP-3141-0 (left, OE 251 201 303 C, JP ref 1115656270) and JP-3142-0 (right, OE 251 201 304 C, JP ref 1115656280) are the plastic fuel breather expansion tanks that sit high in the rear wheel-arch area of the 1980–1991 VW Vanagon. They collect fuel vapor and overflow from the main tank. Sold each.

Fitment

Specifications

What's Included

• One fuel expansion tank for the side you choose

Not Included

• Rollover / vent valve and its grommet (see our fuel vent valve grommet JP-1167-0)
• Breather line grommets (JP-1168-0) and vent hoses
• Hose clamps

Why It Matters

The Vanagon fuel tank breathes through two small expansion tanks, one on each side of the van, tucked up above the rear wheel arches. They give the fuel room to expand on hot days and route vapor back to the charcoal canister. After 35+ years the plastic gets brittle and cracks, the nipples snap off, and the rubber grommets go hard. The result is a strong fuel smell inside the van, especially after a fill-up or on a hot day, wet spots above the rear wheels, or fuel dripping when the tank is brim full. A fuel smell in a camper is a fire risk and should never be ignored. Replacing a cracked tank with a new JP Group unit, along with new grommets and vent hoses, is the standard cure.

Installation Notes

• Work with the fuel level low, the battery disconnected, and no sparks or flames nearby. Have a fire extinguisher at hand.
• Access is from the rear wheel arch; removing the rear wheel makes the job much easier.
• Replace the vent valve grommet and breather line grommets at the same time; old ones are usually where the leak really is.
• Replace any hard or cracked vent hoses with fuel-rated hose and use proper clamps.
• Check for fuel smell after the first fill-up and tighten clamps if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it fit my 1987 Vanagon Westfalia?
Yes. EMPI lists all 1980–1991 Vanagons for both tanks.

Left or right — how do I tell?
Left is the driver side on a US van (JP-3141-0, OE 251 201 303 C); right is the passenger side (JP-3142-0, OE 251 201 304 C). The two tanks are mirror images and are not interchangeable.

Is this the same as OE 251 201 303 C?
Yes, the left tank cross-references to 251 201 303 C and the right to 251 201 304 C.

Does it fit a Syncro?
EMPI and JP Group list all Vanagons, so yes, but compare your old tank before installing.

Why does my Vanagon smell like gas?
Cracked expansion tanks, hard grommets and old vent hoses are the most common causes. Check these first.

What else do I need?
New vent valve grommet, breather line grommets, fuel-rated vent hose and clamps.

Is it new?
Yes, new JP Group.

Explore Related Categories

Fuel & Intake Components | VW Vanagon Parts | All VW Air-Cooled Parts

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California Prop 65 Warning: This product can expose you to chemicals which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. For more information, visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. Legal for use on pre-pollution-controlled vehicles only.