>
> No coolant in either tank, no visible leaks(oil or coolant)  anywhere-
> How'd all that coolant get into the oil without creating a bigger mess?
> Something internal in the water jacket obviously, but what...
>

Yeah, like Dennis said: look to your head studs. You lose a stud under the
valve cover, it'll just blow all that coolant into the oil system, not a
drop lost to the outside. You could probably pull the head and replace the
stud, but if ONE of 'em broke, then the other 15 are definitely suspect. I
lost a head stud last year and just swapped the engine out. If it is indeed
a head stud, I'd take it as a sign and go for that TDI.
--
John Bange
'90 Vanagon - "Geldsauger"