IF it's a waterboxer, i've never seen a problem with an oil gallery plug
by the flywheel seal, fwiw.
scott

Steve Cotsford wrote:
> 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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