Date:         Fri, 19 Jul 2002 06:37:58 -0700
Reply-To:     "Greenamyer, William L" <william.l.greenamyer@BOEING.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Greenamyer, William L" <william.l.greenamyer@BOEING.COM>
Subject:      Trans shutter
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

That is about the only way I can explain.  Missed a lot of messages because
got knocked off the list.  Back on now.

Trans works fine in forward gears.  Usually works properly in reverse except
when there is an incline or load (left the emergency brake on).  Get a
shutter like the clutch is bouncing or something.  Still getting a fluid
(very small amount) coming from between the trans and engine.  I am guessing
that it could be the cause.  Have had things replaced twice now (bearings
and seals) but the problem appears to be coming back again.  I do not
believe that VW seals were used.  Could that be causing the leak (which I am
guessing is engine oil but have not been able to determine that for sure yet
and I might get some dye and check on that soon) since the engine really
isn't using oil (except that which drips from the oil drain plug).  Earlier
on, I had a crack in the heater hose leaving the passenger head.  It only
squirted when hot and it was a fine squirt but it just happened to be right
at the side of the engine where it joined the trans.  That was a long time
ago.  No other apparent problems with the trans or clutch.  Still average
20.5-22.5 MPG even with stop and go freeway traffic and climbing the Cajon
Pass every weekday.  I remember (before getting bumped from the list) about
three plugs on the end of the engine that can leak sometimes.  Looked in the
Bently for them but didn't find them.  Anyone have any more information on
these plugs and if the bearings and seals are OK, I would suspect that these
could be the source of the fluids mentioned above (assuming that it is in
fact engine oil).

William