Yes,

The oil cooler leaking into the coolant is a common problem. Get it fixed,
as too much oil in the coolant makes a emulsified sludge that does not cool
well, and causes the engine to overheat. This is what killed the engine in
my '82 Westy Diesel.

A simple test is to bypass the cooler. Just remove both hoses and plug then
with some steel or copper caps from Home Depot. Then go for a (gentle)
drive. When you get back, check the hose barbs where the coolant lines went
onto. If they are dripping oil, you found a leaky cooler!

A replacement cooler can be had for about $150. Don't drive on the freeway
without a cooler...you would be suprised how much it affects oil temps!

TomC
tcarrington@relitech.com

-----Original Message-----
From: Mary Beth and Chris Geiser [mailto:geiser@EXECPC.COM]
Sent: Saturday, April 07, 2001 2:30 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Oil in Coolant

Hello all,
        My '82 Vanagon diesel has what appears to be oil in the coolant
expansion
tank.  Any thoughts on it's origin?  Could the cooler at the top of the oil
filter leak this together somehow?
        Any advise is appreciated?
Thanks,
Chris