BRAVO,

Joel just made the most complete oil change instruction of all time.

I'd conjecture one small point, although his transfer method is great for
reducing the chance of spilling oil, after the first quart is in, I'd take
an X-acto knife and cut the top of the plastic bottle off at a 45 degree
angle such that when you sit it in the extended fill tube the angle cut is
level with the world.  Makes a dandy funnel that will stay in nearly by
itself, and gives you a monstous area to pour for, gauranteeing no oil about
the liscense flap etc.  I typically stuff a paper towel down my home made
funnel and toss it under the seat for future use.  Also works like a charm
for that annoying coolant fill bottle.  I always change the copper washer,
they are cheap, and only fill the filter about twice so that when I turn it
to 45 degrees for installation the oil does not run out.

A little trivia note here BTW, if you ever buy and Audi or Corrado G60 and
are anal enough to buy the OEM filters (the ones with the little nut thing
on the bottom that appear nearly like the normal FWD/Vanagon filter but seem
a little different up at the business end) note they are valved differently
and prefilling the center port is not possible and can hydraulicly LOCK the
filter resulting in absolutely no oil pressure and no way to push oil
through it (ask me how I know :-)  They are designed to keep pressure on the
system up to the lifters longer after shut down, but also cost about $9-$15
each, sure would be convenient for Vanagons though where the nut on the
bottom makes removal a snap.  They must be prefilled though the 4 radial
outer ports which is nearly impossible.  The benefit of prefilling the
filter is somewhat questionable anyway, but I always do think every little
bit helps.

John
vwbus@mindspring.com