Date:         Sun, 30 Jul 2000 17:13:02 -0700
Reply-To:     Michael Snow <mwsnow@home.com>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Michael Snow <mwsnow@home.com>
Subject:      Re: Slick 50 for Manual transmissions
In-Reply-To:  <01BFFA20.B32AFE60@usrtc168.golds.esn.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Simple points:

  1.  A properly lubricated transmission that is mechanically sound does not
whine.

  2.  If a transmission does make noise when the proper type and amount of
lubricant is present, a mechanical problem is indicated.

  3.  Suggested causes of the noise have been (so far) v-belts "bedding in",
"whining" pinion bearing, excessive play between ring and pinion gears,
"dry" CV joint, "baked" gears and/or bearings.

  4.  Neither Slick 50, nor any other product (that I am aware of) has been
scientifically and legitimately proven to be capable of repairing any of the
suggested causes of the "whining" transmission.

My opinion:

  1.  I would rather be able to continuously monitor the symptoms than cover
them up with some expensive additive.

  2.  It is far easier for DuPont to avoid future litigation regarding
unintended use of PTFE.  They have already lost the costs of the first round
of lawsuits.  The single purpose for business is to generate profit.
"Proving" that PTFE suspended in oil does not reduce wear (or any of the
other claims being made on its behalf) will not increase their profits.  Why
throw good money after bad?

  3.  Given the fact that no additive can effect repair of whatever
mechanical problem is causing transmission "whining", anecdotal evidence of
reduced noise  proves nothing.  If it does indeed reduce noise some cases,
it is probably doing more harm than good by obscuring symptoms of impending
and expensive catastrophic failure of the transmission.

  4.  THE MERE REDUCTION OF NOISE IS IRRELEVANT, THEREFORE THE ADDITIVE IS
IRRELEVANT.  The additive cannot "RESCUE" a transmission.

My suggestions (none deemed better than others):

  1.  Diagnose and repair the cause of the unusual transmission noise.

  2.  Wait until the transmission explodes while driving, then repair it,
part out the van, or find a use for it other than as a method of conveyance.

  3.  Purchase a quality used (rebuilt or not) transmission in exchange (or
not) for yours and install it in the van.

  4.  Sell the van as soon as you find a way to cover up the symptoms of a
failing transmission.  Decide in advance what people you know that have
genuine respect for your honesty and integrity.  Don't sell the van to them
or anyone who knows them.  Maybe Parts Place is still buying Vanagons!

My 2 cents,
Mike Snow


> Since the discussion was regarding MANUAL TRANSMISSION ADDITIVES (as a
> means to rescue a whining transmission), does anyone have any info
> regarding DuPont or anyone else's review of this use?