Ah, sweet paranoia.

Just talked with the PO (nice guy, BTW) and he helped. I knew he had replaced the coolant fill tank near to when I bought it due to it breaking, and that bright orange coolant I saw when investigating the van was brand new. In addition, some Stop Leak stuff had been added in the recent past which may explain the thin film I though I saw (really looked less like oil - no sheen - but, again, I'm paranoid).

Sounds like an oil change is still in order just to be safe, along with a full flush of the system w/ distilled water and fill with fresh stuff (probalby VW blue since I have it). The preasure test can wait, but will still happen since I'll have the tool.

At least my SO won't completely divorce me now :)

john