> Does anyone know if I can substitute a regular bolt for an oil drain plug
> in my 87 Vanagon?  The head on mine is all chewed up.  Is there something
> special about oil drain plugs relative to regular bolts?   The local VW
> dealer wants $9 for one!
>
> BTW, the same VW dealer charged me $25 for the VW Autobahn coolant we've
> been discussing today!

I'd get an original drain plug.  Also use a new aluminum washer each time
you change the oil.  The original drain plug has smaller 13mm head compare
to its size which will encourage whoever changing the oil use less force to
tight it up.  Hence reduce the chances to strip the thread on the aluminum
engine block.

I'd say It's another example of how bad the VW dealers treat its royal
customers.  I still remember when my Syncro developed the head leak 3 years
ago,  the service manager of my VW dealer told me that HE HAD NEVER SEEN
THIS PROBLEM BEFORE!   His words made me missed the "free" head replacement
offered by VWoA at that time.   You may try to mail order "dealer specific"
VW parts from some VW dealers who have mail order operation.  Check the
European Car magazine and there are a couple of them (Timon's VW?) in
there.

Regards,
Yi-Ruey Wei
87 Vanagon GL Syncro w/leaking cylinder head & MXT tires
85 Jetta GLI w/168,000 miles
Dallas, Texas

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