If there is really an oil gallery plug leaking you should really worry
but...how can he tell without pulling the engine out? If you have a little oil
leaking from between the back of the engine and transmission, I do not see how
it could be identified as anything other than the rear crankshaft seal without
removing the engine and pulling off the flywheel/flex plate. Sounds a bit
like a  scare tactic to me.

I had an oil gallery plug come out of my 1.7 aircooled VW  camper engine,
behind the flywheel, and it caused the crank to seize.  It pumped all of the
engine oil out within 2 miles, scrapped the crank and  crankcase and I had to
rebuild the entire bottom end of the engine. It was not  fun.

I would be inclined to get a second opinion from a known (or another) VW  Van
expert before getting into something expensive.

It does sound like you need at least a little brake work and perhaps a new
water pump.     If the pump has leaked it probably  wont last much longer.

Good luck,

Steve

----- Original Message -----
From: "A. Hurley"  <ahurley@VIEWIT.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent:  Tuesday, May 27, 2008 11:39 PM
Subject: Road trip and mechanics litany of  issues

> So...I need to drive from Seattle to Aracta, CA and took  my van in to a
> mechanic for an oil change, belt change and  checkup.
>
> He came back with all this:
>
> Left front  brake caliper is sticking, pads worn to 20% ($600?)
>
> Runs lean -  needs tune up (adjust the mixture screw?)
>
> Fly seal and galley  plug leaking
>
> Front heater valve leaks (not losing  much)
>
> Water pump has stain at weep hole
>
> Right  ball joint bad, need upper boots
>
>
>
> So...estimate  is about $1500, and recommend I don't go to CA Friday....
>
> Any  advice or opinions?
>
> Thanks,
>
>  Andree
>
>
>
>
>
>  Sincerely,
>
> Andree Hurley
> Viewit.com -  http://viewit.com/
> Kayak Instruction Newsletter -
>  http://onwatersports.com/KIX/Newsletters/KayakNewsletterSpring08.html

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