None of the gaskets I've ever purchased at the dealer for my Vanagon have
been copper--they've all been aluminum.  Copper gaskets on my '96 Passat
(VR6) are copper, as have all other VWs I've owned including inline 4's and
diesels.  By the way, I've reused these successfully numerous times.
Whatever you do, DON'T install the oil plug in a Vanagon without the
gasket... you'll play hell getting that plug out again.  Didn't leak, but
didn't come out either.

DB

----- Original Message -----
From: "pete owsianowski" <pnocean@EARTHLINK.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, February 08, 2004 2:15 PM
Subject: Re: No Copper Crush Gasket?

> on 2/8/04 2:49 PM, pete owsianowski at pnocean@EARTHLINK.NET wrote:
>
> > As you Vanagon experts have probably already deduced, I am not in your
> > league mechanically.
> >
> > Got under the '87 today and found a 10mm  Hex bolt that I got off with
an
> > Allen wrench.  Oil is now draining as is the filter.
> >
> > Is this an OEM plug?  It is absolutely the opposite of what is in the
> > Manual.  I did not see a crush gasket, but have not had any oil leaking
in
> > that area in the past...  Plan on filling her back up and cranking up
for a
> > ride.
> >
> > Any thoughts?
> >
> > Pete
> > '87 Westy
> > "Joe's Van"
>
>
> CORRECTION.  Went back and wiped down around the drain hole before
refilling
> and replacing the plug.  Reached in and found an Aluminum gasket. (Really
> crushed one.) Quick trip to Auto Vantage and now have a copper gasket ,
same
> size.
>
> Still intrigued about the plug, though...