I had the same experience a while back.  Turns out there are two different
seals that fit; one is, IIRC, 10 mm thick and the other is 12 (might be
twelve and fourteen, but you get my point).  You'd think that the thicker
seal would be better - not so.  The seal cannot fit flush with the case; it
has to be inset by a couple mm.  Dunno why, just that it's the way it is.  I
replaced with the thinner seal and no more problems - no other changes,
either.

Karl Wolz

|-----Original Message-----
|From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
|Doug
|Sent: Monday, October 18, 2010 5:04 PM
|To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
|Subject: oil leak on 1984 1.9
|
|Seeking help figuring out an oil leak.
|History:  Had my local mechanic [competent and ethical]  pull the
|transmission last year so Daryl could install a LSD for improved traction.
|My mechanic replaced the rear seals at that time and put everything back
|together.  Six months later I notice a significant oil leak which drips
|down where the engine and transmission join.  I tell him about it and he
|says bring it in.  He drops the trany and replaces the seal.
|When I pick it up he says no charge.  "I was the last one in there."
|Today, one month later I had to go back to the shop and tell him it has
|been leaking since I got it.  I asked him if he wanted me to take it to a
|Vanagon mechanic.  He still feels responsible but ask me to post the
|question to you all if there are any suggestions as to what is going on
|here.  I mentioned I thought I had read on here something about high case
|pressure.   What is the test for that?  Compression?  This is a high
|mileage engine, but it's a strong runner and normally doesn't use much oil.
|He checked the end play and said it was ok.
|Thanks
|Doug E.
|'84  Van-Go
|'67 vw convertible  Vert-i-go