Hey everone,

Here's a question for everyone.  I bought an 88 vanagon about six months ago
(she's my first van/auto) from a dealer, not a vw one, but one that works on
and services foreign cars.  Anyway, at the time I didn't really know about any
prone problems with vanagons.  I did do some research though.  So my question
is, should I get the gaskets checked, she got about 85k, no loss of oil or
coolant (some loss prior but I believe it was just air in the hose!).  Is it a
good idea to be safe or is it something I shouldn't worry about since I don't
have the tell tale signs from the vanagon devils!  I would love to keep her
around as long as I'm here!
Would this be a vw dealer job or can I just find a rep. mechanic
One more thing, I've order a bentley manual (sounds like a great thing to have
to help keep the vanagon gods on my side) so I haven't been able to identify
this problem yet.  at the base of my steering colomb (?) I have a leak of some
fluid, could be brake fluid, I'm not sure.  Does anyone have any ideas or
comments.  Any imput would be great!!

jon
88 vanagon