From what I have heard, the OEM filter is far better for vanagons.
There has been a lot of discussion on the importance of oil levels, and the
conclusion was that keeping the oil level at1/4 above minimum is ideal
(until we find out otherwise).
This is process of elimination, so far. . . correct as many related things
as possible.
Did you have the right oil in there? Sorry, but I had to ask. Is it
possible that the oil was contaminated fom metal shavings due to a recent
rebuild. Unfortunately you got an amatures poinion on this one. My van is
running well, so I guess I can't be all that bad.

good luck. . . I want to see the responses to this problem, as well.

Brad Horner
87 wolf west