Volkswagen had a recall for this on the Rabbits at some point in the 80s.  I'm
sure the recall has run out, but you can still re-route the breather hose so that
it doesn't recirculate into the intake system.

Rennie
VolksDragon@earthlink.net
Los Angeles

Sean Lynch wrote:

> Well, I had a rather hair-raising experience yesterday. My diesel Vanagon
> decided to start accelerating by itself, would not switch off by the key, and
> was stopped only by jamming it into 4th and standing on the brakes until it
> stalled. Fortunately, this all happened in a matter of seconds. Nothing seems
> to have blown up, but I noticed copious amounts of oil down the breather tube
> that runs from the valve cover to the intake manifold. I suspect it started
> siphoning oil, and running on straight engine oil. The oil level wasn't low,
> the temp was fine, and the engine gave no prior warnings befor doing this. No
> leaks or drips, just a lot of smoke when it started running straight oil. I
> notice the breather in the valve cover is kinda clogged, but what else could
> cause this condition? After cooling off for a while, I drove it home safely,
> and since it didn't repeat the scenario, I think it's safe to say it hasn't
> eaten any rings. It has a plastic splashguard under the valve cover, too. I'm
> at a loss though, and so is my buddy who runs a VW shop. Dieselheads beware!
> However, the acceleration curve is pretty nice...;)
>
>                                      -Sean L.
>
>                                               '82 GL Diesel "Donder"
>                                               '86 GL "Blitzen"
>                                               '86 GL Weekender "no name"
>                         coming soon!   '80 L