In a message dated 23/08/2005 11:33:17 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:

This  afternoon while doing final check before leaving
on a trip in my 85 Vanagon  I noticed that the dipstick
"sleeve" is a bit loose where it goes into  the
block--there is also a bit of oil down below where it
enters the  block.

I presume this is not normal--what is the fix  for
this?

Jeff, you need to remove the dipstick tube and  replace the old dried up
O-ring (O-ring, oil dipstick tube to engine, N 900 322  03) in the engine case.
Be careful when removing the old one.   It is most likely rock hard and will
crumble and fall into the  hole.  So, block the hole with a small piece of rag
which you will  retrieve after your done cleaning the spot for the new O-ring.
Also check  the dip stick tube for cracking at the point where the O-ring
resides.   I've seen a number of the tubes cracked at that point.

Cheers,

Frank  Condelli
Almonte, Ontario, Canada
'87 Westy, '90 Carat & Lionel  Trains
Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa Valley
_Frank Condelli &  Associates_ (http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/busindex.html)
or http://frankcondelli.com
_STEBRO/Vanagon Stainless Steel  Mufflers_
(http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/stebro.htm)
_BusFusion_ (http://members.aol.com/BusFusion/bfhome.htm)  a VW Camper
camping event, Almonte, ON, June 09 ~ 12,  2005