Sounds like the oil cooler seal may have failed.  This part is prone to
failure in our vans, especially in colder weather.  In fact there was a
recall about this in Canada but not in the U.S. (bastards!)  Thankfully
the fix is easy:
-buy the seal from list vendor
-remove oil filter
-remove the threaded pipe that goes thru the oil cooler
-replace seal, make sure to get all of old seal out

Searchthe list archives for "oil cooler seal" for more info.

Andrew Fox
86 Westy
Ft. Collins CO
www2.hawaii.edu/~andrewf/vanagon/links.htm

On Mon, 5 Nov 2001, Chris Stann wrote:

> I'm posting this for a friend who has an '89 Westy with 2.1L WBX.  It's his
> only means of transportation.
>
> I was able to locate the source of the leak.  It appeared to be coming from
> behind the square metal 'box' that the oil filter attaches to.  To be
> precise, it appears to be coming from where that 'box' mates to the engine
> block.
>
> Has any one experienced this?  Easy fix?  Just a gasket?  How?  HELP!!!
>
> Thanks,
>
> Chris for Pete.
>