It is quite common for seal leaks to be an indication of some problem and
not the seal itself. Common leaks on the flywheel side can be loose oil
galley plug, cam end cover, the case halves or my favorite a crack in front
behind the flywheel on the left side. Excessive crankcase pressure, in
correctly installed flywheel, over filling, etc can cause leaks. Considering
the mileage I would check piston ring sealing (leak down test). Sometimes
these engines just like to leak. Fun Bus has leaked since day one. They
tried fixing it even while under warranty.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Robert Clemmer
Sent: Tuesday, February 12, 2013 9:53 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Oil leak

I have an annoying oil leak which I think is the front (flywheel side) main
seal.  When the transmission was rebuilt I asked the shop to replace the
seal while the transmission was out.  They said it wasn't the problem and
that I had something else going on there.  After I got tired of it spotting
up the back of the car and "marking it's territory" I took it to another
shop and had the seal/o-ring replaced.  Still leaks/drips, but not nearly as
bad.

My question is, is it likely that the case halves are seeping.  Is that
something that can/does happen?  Can there be something else going on?  Or
am I just being taking as a sucker?

The car is a young 91 tin top, WBX, Auto transmission, 253K miles, good oil
pressure and good lube oil analysis report.

Thanks, BobC