Date:         Wed, 19 Mar 2003 17:22:11 -0700
Reply-To:     Bill N <freeholder@STARBAND.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Bill N <freeholder@STARBAND.NET>
Subject:      Servicing Auto Trans in '81
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

I ordered the filter and pan gasket today to service my auto trans in my '81 Westy.  Is there any special tricks I need to keep in mind?  Also, I will be switching to synthetic AT fluid.  The manual says it takes 3 liters when you service the trans, but 6 liters if it is dry.  Does that mean I have to leave in the 3 liters of the old, non-synthetic AT fluid, or is there a reasonable way to get it out?

I am hoping the fluid and filter change will fix the problem I am having.  From a standing start, the tranny doesn't "engage" for perhaps 1/2 second when it is cold.  I rev the engine, and there is a moment before it "catches."

Haynes says the oil in the final drive is permanent and there is no way to drain it.  Is this true?  I would prefer to also replace it with synthetic.  I have a Bentley, but haven't checked it yet.

Finally, has anyone added grease to the CV joints by injecting it through the boot and then sealing the tiny hole with a dab of silicon?  One of my CV joints seems to lose the grease (I can't see where it is going) every 5 to 10 thousand miles.

Bill in the Southwest