This afternoon I removed the rubber tubing between the breather tower
and the intake.  It seemed a little soft, but I didn't have anything
suitable at had to replace it.

I removed the breather tower and noted that it had been sealed to the
case with RTV.  I cleaned that off and made a gasket, and reinstalled it
after checking it for blockage and finding none.  Likewise I did not see
any blockage on the intake side.

Took the van out for a drive; I had received word that gasoline was
$3.19 a gallon in the next town ( about 15 minutes away ) which is about
$0.40 less than it's selling for here.

I noted that the radiator fan never came on (though the temperature
gauge was right in the normal zone for the entire drive).

Back at home, I checked the dipstick and it was pushed out again.  I'll
hunt up some tubing to replace the old piece and see if it makes any
difference.  I'm doubtful, but seems like a reasonable next step.  I
also slipped a couple of fingers through the (upper) front grille and
the radiator was cold.  I wonder if it's half full of air?

Allan
--
1991 Vanagon GL