As a sudden failure, the oil cooler gasket is my first choice and second
would be the filter or filter gasket. Last month I had a Mahle filter fail
at the top crimp. One thing with cold weather, you need to let the engine
idle and rev very gently for the first few minutes after start up. The oil
pressure relief can only handle so much and the excess volume has to go some
where. Starting up a cold engine and then reving to 4,000 rpm to get the van
moving is a good way to blow seals, damage bearings and even break off the
oil pump shaft. Yes you can even push out the flywheel and puley seals.

Dennis

>From: Jeff Lincoln <magikvw@GMAIL.COM>
>Reply-To: Jeff Lincoln <magikvw@GMAIL.COM>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Oil Leak
>Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2008 11:15:19 -0500
>
>Well, I started the van this morning to let it warm up before taking my son
>to school. Backed out of the drive and noticed the oil light blinking. Took
>a look and saw what appeared to be most of the oil that was in the van
>puked
>out on the drive way.
>
>I suspect the o-ring to the oil cooler. However, what are other possible
>culprits? This is a '90 2.1 automatic.
>
>--
>Thanks,
>
>Jeff
>'90 Carat (Grover)
>'86 (We call this one Parts)
>'85 GL (Preparing to move to a new Home)
>'78 Bus (Melissa) Patty's Bus