So many good suggestions here.  Thank you all.  I want to try all of
them.  Ken,
I fortunately didn't use the drain plugs in the block, because I couldn't
get the covers that protect that whole pushrod area.  I just drained from
the rubber hose connections to the long plastic hose just beside the tranny
and got about 10 qts out.  That worked ok, but took two hose clamps to seal
it up.  So I don't think there could be any external damage to the pushrod
tubes from that operation.

I got a lot of recommendations to remove the cover over that whole pushrod
area  and visually inspect.  Makes good sense.  I think I can get the two
hex nuts off where they connect to the vented part of the block.  That will
just leave the two upper and very rusted connections.  I was thinking of
just cutting the sheet metal off, drilling new holes in the sheet metal and
bolting them back together with stainless hardware,. when I am finished.

I also read an archive about the O-ring for the oil cooler/oil temp balancer
that Max mentioned.  I just stuck my head underneath that area by the oil
filter, and there is a threaded plug that goes into the case just interior
to, and a couple of inches away from the oil filter. Seemed like the the
plug might be close to 20 mm.   Is that the access to the oil cooler/oil
temp balancer?  Or, will I only see the sensor when I pull off the pushrod
cover?  I even looked in my Bentley, but must not be finding the correct
pages. Some type of blown oil seal makes sense, because I have accidently
way over reved the engine a few times recently when I was trying to limp
home with the chronic bucking problem I had for awhile.  Cleaning some
connections and the AFM completely eliminated that symptom for about a
week.  Now it is back with a vengence, along with this new oil leak.

Also, Jerry thanks for the tip on using the flexible electrical tape on the
threads before attaching the "libby bong" I can see how that would work
perfectly.  I don't have a Westphalia, but have one of the conversions made
by ASI (spelling?) It was out of Vancouver WA, and with it's hydroflame
forced air furnace, and isolated batteries, it is pretty effective for use
in Alaska.  Rest of the 86 vanagon is pure VW.  Saw a refurbished one go on
Ebay just like mine but in pristine shape for $7900 recently!  My wife has
been hen pecking me to drop mine off at the junk yard.  That ebay sale I
sent her silenced her for almost a week.

Sorry for all the questions.  I often feel like like a mechanical dunce on
this list, but wouldn't be able to own this vehicle if it wasn't for all the
help here.
  Jeff Hartman
Juneau, Alaska
86 vanagon

On Sat, Nov 15, 2008 at 10:15 AM, Bruce Todd <beeceetee@gmail.com> wrote:

> Any chance you can gently bend the metal protection plate downward or away
> from the pushrod tubes and see whether the oil is possibly dripping out from
> the oil sensor plug?  This oil sensor can provide a pretty healthy source of
> oil if leaking - it is also a very cheap and easy repair.
>
> Cross your fingers.
>
> BT
>
> 86 Syncro Westy
>
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