A couple of weeks ago I thought I was doomed also. My O ring behind the oil cooler was leaking. Took a couple of messy hours but it was fixed. Is it leaking by the oil filter ( the oil cooler is what it screws onto )
The part was only $ 5 bucks. Look under the van and see where it is leaking from, not from where it leaks from the bottom, oil runs are like a roof leak, not always where they show up on ground.

Good Luck

Ken Fry 89 Wolfie
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Michael Jacobs 
  To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
  Sent: Monday, March 22, 2004 1:12 PM
  Subject: 90 Vanagon oil leak, HELP!

  The oil is leaking out of my Vanagon at a very fast rate, about a quart every
  couple of days. Could this be a head gasket leak? I am completely clueless
  about this. What should I expect when I take it in, if this is indeed the
  problem? Does the engine have to be rebuilt? Does the gasket just have to be
  replaced? Should anything else have to be done at the same time. What should I expect
  to pay? And finally, does anyone have a good recommendation for a repair shop
  in San Diego, preferably in North County?

  Thanks,

  Michael Jacobs
  (Rookie owner)
  90 Vanagon