Thanks to all of you on the list who have helped. I could not believe a
stripped oil drain would cause the loss of the engine, but I did skip a
couple of heartbeats when the dealer said that.

I feel confident I can get it fixed without loss of billions of dollars
or the engine. As usual, the list has been of great help.

I am going to find an auto repair course  locally and get started on
doing my own maintenance. As klutzy as I think I am, I doubt I could harm
the Vanagon more than some of these dealerships seem to want to.

It is funny what makes you realize how much you love your Vanagon!

>Maureen, I just had the same problem on my 86 Syncro and I too panicked,
>but only for a moment. I quickly realized that it would be a pretty poor
>design if you had to replace an engine every time oil drains got
>stripped. Since I had never dealt with this problem before, I took it to
>my mechanic and watched him drill out the old drain, then use a tap (a
>drill bit type tool) to make new threads in the case. Next the heli-coil,
>which looks like a small spring, is threaded into the new hole with a
>special tool, job done. Cost me $40 and took about 15 minutes. Make sure
>the mechanic is careful to remove all the metal from the drilling before
>you refill with oil, this can be done by pulling the shavings out with a
>vacuum and flushing with oil. You could buy the kit to do the job
>yourself for about $35 dollars.
>
>You don't need a new engine, stay away form the dealer that told you
>that. Any mechanic that can find his way to work without his mom in the
>car can repair a messed up thread.
>
>First ya panic, then e-mail the list, then armed with knowledge, go deal
>with your mechanic...and don't let them charge you an arm and leg for a
>simple fix. Someday you may even want to try to do this job yourself, I
>did, just fixed three holes for my exhaust manifold.
>
>
>Steve and Jo Ann Wacker
>San Marcos, Ca.
>90 Carat
>86 Syncro
>86 Audi 5000 CS Quattro
>
>_____________________________________________________________________
>You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail.
>Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com
>Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]
>

Maureen Stretch
Natick, Mass.
91 Vanagon GL Westy "Johann"