Lee, the fact that your 'mechanic' used an oil wrench to tighten the oil
filter does not mean it's overtightened.  If he/she went past the
recommended max turns, usually referred on the oil filter box as 'past
fingertight', then the filter would be too tight.

Sounds like deteriorated O-rings in the cooler.  You may want to have your
'mechanic' replace the o-rings during next oil change.. or maybe sooner.

Chris.
'85 Westy.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Lee Kouns" <LeeKouns@WEBTV.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, November 03, 2002 11:04 AM
Subject: Can overtightening the oil filter on an 88 cause coolant leaks?

> Hi everyone,
> Right after watching a "mechanic" use an oil filter wrench to tighten a
> new oil filter, I noticed coolant dripping from somewhere around or
> above the oil cooler in my 88. It drips from the corner of the oil
> cooler and from a nearby drainplug on the engine at a rate of about one
> drop every 2-3 seconds while the engine idles. I have been losing a
> little coolant for the last few months, but I've never seen it dripping
> on the ground before. I tried finding the source of the leak, but I
> think it is in an area above the oil cooler that I can't see.
> I'd appreciate anyone's thoughts on what might be the source of the leak
> and what I might do to get a correct diagnosis.
> Thanks for your help,
> Lee Kouns
>