Date:         Thu, 25 Jul 2002 01:31:20 -1000
Reply-To:     Ed Sato <edsato@JUNO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ed Sato <edsato@JUNO.COM>
Subject:      Re: Swaping Manual Transmision Fluid?
Comments: To: msutts@EARTHLINK.NET
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

After 100,000 miles it is recommended to change your lubricant. There are
two 17mm allen head type plugs on the manual trans one on the front
passenger side and one on the bottom rear of the trans. The best tool is
one that you can fit on a 3/8" socket wrench. Most places that sell bug
parts have this tool (not the same as allen head sockets). If I'm not
mistaken it is sold by Bug Pack or Bug Products something like that. If
you get the 17mm allen wrench instead you will have to chop off about an
inch on the L-wrench to get clearance for the bottom drain plug. When you
look at it wou will see what I mean. To fill the trans go to Home Depot
or any hardware store and get 4 feet of clear tubing that will fit snugly
on the cone cap of the new fluid bottle. Fish the tubing through the rear
passenger tire well and the frame to the front plug and fill from the
side of the van it is much easier.Fill with recommended amount then check
the level. If you have any questions p-mail me. Hope this helps. Aloha,
Ed


On Wed, 24 Jul 2002 23:00:21 -0400 Matt Sutton <msutts@EARTHLINK.NET>
writes:
> Hi folks,
>     I've been thinking about switching the manual transmission fluid
> to
> Redline in my 88 Gl. 112,000 miles, and the stuff's never been
> touched (from
> PO's service records). It's in the interest of making the most of
> what's
> there I guess- it shifts pretty well, though reverse is a little
> weird at
> times.  Opinions?
>     Also, been looking at the Bentley and can't see a way to drain
> what's
> there without removing the trans itself- or maybe turning the van
> upside
> down.  Any simple DIY?
>     The van is a daily driver, and I'm looking to spend weekend
> hours vs.
> weeks in a shop.
>                                                 -Matt Sutton
>