Date: Fri, 7 Jan 2000 08:17:14 -0400
Reply-To: "T. Thompson" <tonyt_eye@NS.SYMPATICO.CA>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: "T. Thompson" <tonyt_eye@NS.SYMPATICO.CA>
Subject: Re: Auto transmission
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
I used the wrong term, the shop cleaned up the "governor" which, if my memory serves me
correctly, is about a 4" long by 3/4" diameter metal cylinder probably accessable without
major disassembly of the transmission, since the mechanic would not go too far into the
transmission. Anyway it really did not make any difference.
I slipped under the van last night and found the oil cooler, I had never seen a diagram for it
so I was expecting hoses off the main coolant pipes going forward, I was pleased to see it
there as I sometimes tow a light trailer for long distances and thought I might be overheating
the transmission fluid.
About the possibility of an air leak, I'll check but I did replace the filter and gasket once
more when I changed the fluid so I don't expect it. I seem to be leaking a small amount of
fluid out between the drive and the transmission so I may have to pull the whole unit soon
anyway. Do you think that the previous owner may have been using a synthetic or less viscous
fluid or additives that helped it shift to third when cold. That was my only theory when the
change occurred after the oil change and the fact that it works so well when warm.
In your previous post you mentioned that Golf/Jetta/Audi automatics are the same. Does this
mean if I scoured the junk yards I might find a decent replacement? I remember someone on the
list saying an Audi 4 speed automatic might fit but I don't know if anyone has ever tried it.
Chuck Hill wrote:
> Tom,
> You mention a "regulator". I'm not sure what you mean by regulator.
>
> If you just recently had the AT fluid changed, along with the filter, and then started
> having problems, that does sound strange. There is a chance that there is a leak at the
> seal at the top of the filter/strainer, and air is being sucked in, giving you the
> problems you mention.
>
> I think the transmission you have should have come with a cooler from the factory. If
> it doesn't have one, then it must have been taken off the vehicle somewhere along its
> history. There's a picture of it on Bently page 37.9, lower right hand corner. I'd be
> really surprised if your van doesn't have one.
>
> Chuck Hill
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