>My '83 AC Vanagon is leaking oil, presumably from the rear main seal

A few years ago I took my 81 Westy to my mechanic (Crawford's VW,
Hampden, Maine) after I could no longer stand the oil spot in the
driveway that occurred after each trip in the van.  After a diagnosis of
the problem, Chip Crawford (as true a real Mainer as you will ever meet)
called with "the good news and the bad news."  Chip said:

"Tony, I've found the source of your leak, it is the rear crankshaft main
seal.  The good news is that it will cost you $9.50 to replace the seal.
The bad news is that you have to pull the engine to do the job, that will
cost you $250.00."

I laugh about it now, "ayuh", but at the time.............

Tony

Anthony L. Mourkas
Hampden, Maine, USA
1984 Vanagon Westfalia
1987 Vanagon GL Syncro
1991 Jetta Eco Diesel