Date: Mon, 23 Aug 2004 13:40:58 -0700
Reply-To: Robert Fisher <refisher@MCHSI.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Robert Fisher <refisher@MCHSI.COM>
Subject: Re: ATF filter: urban legend?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
By 'red goo', I think he may have meant the old/dirty tranny fluid that
drips off/out of the case even after you've drained the pan and removed it.
Make sure that you do this work in as 'clean' an environment as possible-
you don't want to let anything foreign into your tranny.
Just for grins and giggles, you may want to 'strain', if you will, the
tranny fluid as it drains, and then inspect that and the inside/bottom of
the pan for interesting particles and objects-this could give you some idea
of the general health of your tranny. If you find anything that worries you,
you can ask here or possibly take it to a local tranny shop and get their
opinion. There's often a magnet in the bottom of the pan to attract metal
particles, btw. Make sure to use something clean and lint free, etc. if you
do any wiping (in the pan, for instance). Have the replacement fluid on hand
before you start. No, I don't think you're stupid- but I have been. Can't
remember if there's a gasket/o-ring on the drain plug- if there is, inspect
and clean it as well. Probably a good idea to replace it for GP.
As for the Bentley, every manual I've seen seems to assumes too much. The
reality of it is that if they covered everything that someone might be
ignorant of, it'd come in four volumes. Compared to many Haynes and
Chilton's I've had, it's a pretty solid reference. Besides, you have the
Vanagon archives and the ever-lovin' listees here to help fill in the gaps.
If, however, you encounter any bears whilst making repairs- you're on yer
own.
Good luck,
Robert
----- Original Message -----
From: "Rocket J Squirrel" <j.michael.elliott@ADELPHIA.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, August 23, 2004 12:42 PM
Subject: Re: ATF filter: urban legend?
> jbange wrote:
>
> >>> Nah, it's there. I changed mine just yesterday. It's a flat round
> >>> screen
> >>> thingy INSIDE the transmission. You have to pull the bottom pan off
the
> >>> tranny to get to it. It usually comes in the same package with the big
> >>> rubber transmission pan gasket.
> >>
> >> Then WTF? How come Bentley's doesn't mention it anywhere that I can
> >> find?
> >
> >
> > I think it shows up in one of those exploded diagrams in the Bentley
(I'm
> > at work; I'll check when I get home), but they don't really even mention
> > it. I only found out about it when I ordered the pan gasket to replace
> > mine, which was leaking. I suspect it's one of those annoying "anyone
who
> > needs to know should know already" things where the Bentley assumes
> > you're
> > an experienced professional mechanic.
>
> Well, if they assume someone is an experienced professional mechanic
> then I am in deep trouble with this manual!
>
> >
> >> Is there a procedure online that describes how to pull, inspect and
> >> replace this filter? I've never opened a tranny before.
> >
> >
> > Big, flat, square pan on the bottom of the tranny (not to be confused
> > with
> > the angled pan with a humped bottom on the final drive assembly) held on
> > with bolts all around the edge. Drain the ATF, unbolt and remove the
pan,
> > curse as red goo drips on you, and there you should see the filter and
> > its
> > gasket. It's essentially just a round flat screen filter, so a visual
> > inspection should be enough to tell if it's clogged with crap. Naturally
> > the Bentley has labelled the filter, filter gasket, and pan gasket as
> > "always replace" parts, but you can probably get away with reusing the
> > old
> > stuff while you're troubleshooting.
>
> Sounds about as hard as doing the filter on the bottom of my 71's
> upright aircooled engine. Thanks for the blow-by-blow. I've ordered the
> kit you recommended . . . now, how about that red goo?
> --
>
> Mike "Rocket J Squirrel" Elliott
> 71 VW Type 2 / 84 Westy: A poor but proud race.
> KG6RCR
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