Don't kick yourself too hard.  I can say that some of my mechanical
attempts have ended in a trip to the local VW mechanic with large cheque in
hand.

As it is emphasized in the movie "Meet the Robinsons" - Keep Moving Forward!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7p_eKV3SzwE

BT

On Wed, Feb 1, 2012 at 10:10 AM, Gregg Carlen <gregg.carlen@gmail.com>wrote:

> Okay, so I finally got time free enough to pull the head again and inspect
> (engine still in the van). The culprit...me.
>
> When I installed the head after replacing the gaskets, I was rushing the
> job and the cylinder sealing rings slipped down and out of position and
> didn't notice that I crushed them while installing the head. Therefore,
> sealing rings not seated properly, exhaust gasses reached the green o-rings
> destroying them, allowing coolant into the combustion chamber and out the
> exhaust system. So, mystery solved.
>
> Unfortunately, when I pulled the head the 2nd time to inspect, I wasn't
> careful enough and allowed the sleeves to slip off the piston rings. Very
> sad.
>
> As with any Vanagon, its a matter of time or money and I don't have any
> block of significant time to pull the engine and fix this (not to mention
> other projects I have waiting for my time). So, I towed it off to a local
> VW shop in the area to have the job done right (big check in hand). I would
> have loved to have found something like a failed component or cracked head
> or similar, but I've only got myself to kick for it. Just glad I wasn't
> rushing while doing something that could have got me hurt (trying to insert
> a postive spin on a bad experience).
>
> Thanks to everyone for your guidance and troubleshooting to focus on the
> right areas and another learning experience with my van.
>
> Gregg
>
>
>
> On Wed, Jan 18, 2012 at 4:36 PM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com
> >wrote:
>
> > As another possibility I had a van towed in with all of these symptoms.
> > Since it was a running engine my first thought was broken stud. None
> found.
> > In fact all were at torque. Compression and leak down poor on cylinders 1
> > and 2. #1 intake valve leaking bad. I am suspecting a cracked head.
> >
>