1.      I was driving to NYC when this big puff of smoke came from the rear
scaring the crap out this other Vanagon behind me.  All gauges read fine and
no loss of power; engine nice and cool.  Stopped at a gas station thinking it
was a pierced coolant hose.  Well It wasn't.  Oil all over the place.  Oil
level was little low.  I noticed that as long as it kept the speed below 70,
no smoke.

        The only thing different I did was an oil change about two weeks ago.
I used 20w50 synthetic and without realizing it, put 5 quarts instead of 4.5.
Checked oil level before NYC and it was fine.

2.      Transmission is beginning to shift late again.  I hope is not a
transmission rebuild.  Automatic, BTW.  Eventually, it will shift normally.

3.      There's a sorta knocking/slapping sound coming out of the passenger
side cylinder.  Am I loosing my baby?

Thanks
Nate El Great
85 GL, 183k mi