I had this same problem with a Vanagon dip stick. I had the dealership put a
new one in my 88 Westy.
because the old one was broken off on the end. The new one over fills the
engine by 1/2 quart at least.
Does anyone know the exact dimensions for a proper 88 Westy oil dip stick?

Best Regards,

Alan Ruffalo
1988 Westy ( I love this vehicle)
1999 S-500 Mercedes
2001 Toyota Avalon XLS
1983 36 foot Catalina sailboat

----- Original Message -----
From: "Gary Stearns" <gstearns@OPTONLINE.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, February 23, 2001 7:26 AM
Subject: Re: major oil leak concern

> Jason-
> The obvious first.  Is it overfilled with oil? Don't trust the dipstick.
> Could be a dipstick from a Golf or something. Vanagon dipsticks are long.
> Another dipstick will be shorter causing an overfill to show "full".
> Suggest you drain the oil and refill with known correct volume of oil.
Don't
> forget to include the volume of the filter.  Next, if the problem is
> internal pressure or blow-by, I would expect the dipstick to get blown
loose
> first. Is it?  If not, pull the dipstick loose while the engine is
running.
> Does it release pressure or blow out at you?
> I still suspect overfill.
>
> Gary
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Jason Willenbrock" <pooncerelli@HOTMAIL.COM>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Thursday, February 22, 2001 11:38 PM
> Subject: major oil leak concern
>
>
> > hey all,
> > got some problems here(when don't i).  just installed my 2.1 about 1300
> > miles ago.  here's the situation.  i believe that i am building up some
> > excessive crankcase pressure and this is resulting in oil be blown out
of
> > what appears to be the flywheel seal, the crank pulley seal or oil pump
> > cover, and the drain plug. i pulled off the breather hose going from the
> > tower to the afm boot and oil in there as well.  i have spoken to some
> > authorities on this and they say possibly it is due to the rings not
being
> > seated or fully broken in yet, and that the oil that i am using (quaker
> > state 10-30) is too good of a lubricate thus causing the oil to blow
past
> > the rings. i am not getting any smoke on start up.  i did however, lose
a
> > half a quart in 300 miles.  i lost most of the oil after driving a long
> > distance at highway speeds.  short distances i lose a few drops ar best.
> i
> > am about to drive across country as i have no choice.  i will bring lots
> of
> > oil with me to keep it full.  any suggestions here?  when i get across
> > country i will then pull the engine if it is still leaking and proceed
> > further diagnostics. i already took it to vw and they say they can't
> really
> > diagnose this without pulling the engine.  anyone else have this problem
> on
> > a fresh rebuild?  any clues suggestions or tips would be appreciated.
> also
> > i am goiing from new york to montana via st. louis mo.  any list members
> > along the way who would like to give me their number in case of the
> dreaded
> > breakdown (due to my oil situation) would also be appreciated.
> > thanks
> > jason
> > 90 gl
> > _________________________________________________________________
> > Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
> >