Volkswagen: Oil pressure & loss of power, oil pressure loss, filler nozzle

Question
Hi...
I have a 1978 SB Convt Fuel Inj. Cursing down the hwy @ 65-70 top down things great. Start to lose power and go from 70 to 35... pull over and find oil all over the engine and deck...
I'm not sure if it's the oil cooler or the rear seal. I've cleaned it up and have since put on new injectors, plugs, rotor points and cap. Adjusted valves and cleaned both the pressure release valve and control valve. (which seemed to stick so I sanded and seems to move freely now) test drive, ran fine with power until oil got hot and then same problem. Oil all over engine and compartment, not really leaking down under anywhere... couldn't touch the dip stick...too hot.
Do I need to pull the engine to change the oil cooler or is there other things I should try first?
Using Bentley Off Ser Man & Complete Guide for the idiot...
Thanks
Bob
P.S Compression test 90 - 100 on all 4

Answer
Hi Bob,

I have the same vehicle as well.   Most likely, it is the oil cooler.  A rear seal would usually blow out the bottom.

Also, it could be the thick hose that goes from the oil filler nozzle to the big rubber boot on the top of the motor.

To get to the cooler, you have to remove the motor on a fuel injected beetle.  However, it takes about 1 1/2 hours to drop the motor.

My concern would be that the main bearings are shot after it overheated twice.  You could very well replace the cooler seals and be in the same situation.

So, if you have the patience.  Buy an engine seal kit and replace what you can with the motor out.  Check end-play (in Bentley).  

Hopefully, you will be moving along in no time.

Best of luck.

Ron