Hi there,

In response to the gas smell Joseph said was coming from the oil, I may have
an answer.

When I bought my '87 Vanagon, the PO had given up on her. She wouldn't
hardly run, and the oil stank of gas. We did a compression test and
everything was fine.

What we found was that the motor was getting too much gas, therefor, pushing
the extra gas past the rings and into the oil. Ouch!

This is what we did. Gave her new plugs (Bosh Supers), switched the fuel
filter so the flow went the "right" way, and replaced a few of the different
sensors which regulate fuel flow.

Then, drained all oil, replaced the filter and refilled with Marvel Mystery
Oil (this stuff rocks!!!!). We ran the engine for 100 miles (under low
stress, no high speed driving) drained and replaced the filter again with a
good Bosch filter and Castrol Syntec oil.

Now all she needs is a new Cat (the old one is way too clogged with gunk),
but she purrs like the proverbial kitten.

Hope this helps,

Don & Christina Preston
'87 Vanagon GL
'77 Auto Transporter