Hi Volks,

        Well.... 25 degrees outside... in the snow... in the parking lot of the base
exchange (dept. store for you civilians).... I waged war on the pesky oil
cooler o-ring.  It was a bloody battle....and close quarter combat was the
plan of the day.
But armed with my scan of the Bentley page showing my dreaded enemy's location
and wrapped in the best long underwear, coveralls, and cold weather gear your
taxpayer dollars could afford to buy for me (thank  you all very much, by the
way).... I met the enemy head on with aplomb.

        And many passers-by bore witness to my battle..... they heard the loud
exclamations.... the battle cries during the fight....  and much gnashing of
teeth....
The clang of tempered steel and plastic handles working at a feverish
pitch.... the groan of rubber being forced ever so slowly from it's previous
vise clenched perch.

        At 1600 hrs, the light began to fade.... but enough remained to illuminate
the result of my herculean effort.... I was truly the undisputed victor.  The
only thing I lacked was a spot of distilled water to top off the reservoir
which I obtained at the local convenience store.

        I must, of course, thank all of you who sent me advice and technical
information.  You provided the ammunition with which I waged war in that
parking lot.  Without your staunch support.... I would be lost.

        May you all be blessed with trouble-free Vanagon's.... I salute each and
every one of you.

Scott T. De Santi
86 Vanagon (stain-free)

PS... the significant other has promised me a Bentley for Christmas... I am so
lucky.....