Date:         Mon, 7 May 2001 08:21:19 -0600
Reply-To:     Walter Gomes <wgomes@earthlink.net>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Walter Gomes <wgomes@earthlink.net>
Subject:      Tranny leaks a LOT of oil; HELP!
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

On a gas stop half way between L.A. and S.F. on the road to Portland OR, I
found a huge puddle of hot, dirty oil under the van. I quickly deduced that
it was from the tranny as it had a much greater viscosity than that of the
engine. Brilliant huh? That and the fact that I'd just replaced the clutch
and the input shaft had a lot of play (side-to-side and up-and-down are
both about an 1/8" and in-and-out is a fat 1/16th)and it was making a nasty
intermittent grinding while the clutch is engaged and was difficult
shifting into reverse and 2nd. So much for my brilliant powers of
deduction. Once its going it runs great. No roaring or whining, but when we
stop, Miles most definitely leaves her mark.
 While I was fooling with the clutch, I talked with Daryl at AAtransaxel in
WA. He was very patient and helpful [and I have dibs on his next "in stock"
unit]. He said I'd definitely got my nickel's worth out of my gearbox
(330,000+ miles [thus the name] so I ain't complaining too much)but at that
point, it was likely a linkage problem as getting into 2nd was my primary
problem. That was before we started our imitation of the Exxon Valdez at
every stop.
 So, oh learned list, should we: (A)press on regardless and keep
replenishing the lost oil,(B)slam on the brakes, call triple A and go back,
or (C)go to that haven of vanagon parts in the bay area (where exactly is
that place?)
Is engine "stop leak" a really bad idea to help us limp? WWJMD*?

Walter Gomes and his Family
And the 86 Westy "Miles"

(*What Would John Muir Do?)



--- Walter Gomes
--- wgomes@earthlink.net
--- EarthLink: It's your Internet.