Date:         Sun, 22 Aug 1999 22:36:23 -0700
Reply-To:     John Scheckel <jscheckel@NUTLEY.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Scheckel <jscheckel@NUTLEY.COM>
Organization: John Scheckel Architect
Subject:      Re: mysterous oil leak
Comments: To: Scarlett Semko <damosem@MAIL.MCO.BELLSOUTH.NET>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Scarlett Semko wrote:
>
> Matthew,
>
> Try checking out the breather hose, that runs into the air flow. Mine looked
> fine from the outside, but when I took it off the inside was almost totally
> closed. It happens when the hose gets old. The oil will drip down the side of
> the engine on the passanger side. Thats what mine did. Good luck.
>
> Ron Semko
> Orlando, Florida
> 1984 Vanagon with 200,000 plus miles, and a spare in the garage
>
> Matthew Pollard wrote:
>
> > Can someone give me some hints where my oil is going!  I loose about 1/2
> > quart every 350ish miles.  When I did my clutch I replaced the main engine
> > seal.  Per recommendation from multiple folks on this list I put it in dry
> > (after making sure the seat was clean of oil, etc.).  I don't burn oil
> > that I have noticed- no smoke at all - ever.  There is some oil leaking
> > off the passanger side towards the front of the bus, but it is not wet
> > oil- just dried and grimy.  My valve covers are dry (just dried and grimy
> > oil).
> >
> > I guess i should really clean the underside and see where the oil first
> > appears.
> >
> > If anybody has any insights, please pass them this way.  With every quart
> > of oil I put in I think that I am just a bit closer to that GTI engine...
> >
> > Thank
> > Matthew
> > 84 weekender (1.9)
> > Moscow, ID

check your spark plugs for wet oily deposits.  A sure sign of leaky
rings or worn out valve guide(s) which will let oil into the cylinder to
burn.  In my limited experience the oil that is burning is not always
noticable.

Good Luck;
John S