Imagine that some of that stuff made it into the engine and transmission.
The fine silica can make its way through most filters. Change those fluids
and maybe consider oil testing so you know. When dong sand or bead
blasting, it is important for all engine and tranny openings to be sealed
off.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Jack R.
Sent: Tuesday, August 28, 2007 10:06 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Oil leak after body work... mystery solved

Well, I finally dropped the trans today, to try to resolve the oil leak
problem which developed right after the body media blasting, and re-paint.

The Flywheel seal got contaminated by the sand-blasting media, which
worked
its way in through the hole at the top of the motor.  The media chewed up
the seal, and oil and media was all over the inside of the bell-housing.
Word of advice, make sure that the hole (which I believe is used for
Automatic Transmissions) is covered or plugged before doing any blasting!

Jack R. - N. of Detroit

84 Westy, with a 2.1L syncro motor, oil leak mystery solved.

Photos of flywheel seal and the mess!

http://flickr.com/photos/77623993@N00/1262992204/