Date:         Mon, 9 Feb 2004 12:09:28 -0800
Reply-To:     Michael Snow <slowmachine@COX.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Michael Snow <slowmachine@COX.NET>
Subject:      Re: Diesel Rings!
In-Reply-To:  <Pine.BSF.4.58.0402091447030.44351@gull.us>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed

> I've heard that on '82 diesel Vanagons, the blowby can also push the
> dipstick out and force the oil out through the filler tube.  (The filler
> enters the oil pan below the static oil level.)
>
> I'm not sure how you'd get that much crankcase pressure unless your
> breather was also clogged, though.
>
> '83 diesels used a different dipstick design.

In my experience, replacing the o-ring at the top of the '82 diesel oil
dipstick fixes this problem.  Removing the valve cover and cleaning the
integral breather does make a difference, but oil still travels up the
dipstick tube even with a free-flowing breather.  Higher RPMs and higher
oil level in the pan makes it worse.  Tired of fighting it, I removed
the oil filler tube, blocked off the hole in the pan, and am using a $5
universal fit dipstick in a car-style dipstick tube on the side of the
block.  I also have the car-style oil filler cap in the valve cover.  I
have to open the engine lid to check the oil level, but there are no leaks!

Michael Snow
1982 Westfalia 1.9D