Date:         Sat, 31 Dec 2005 11:40:27 -0500
Reply-To:     Roger Sisler <rogersisler2000@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Roger Sisler <rogersisler2000@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      Re: Hidden ATF leak, strange shifting behavior.

When the fluid is low the trans wont work right even if in good condition.
Cold fluid will expand when warm and take up more space making it seem
closer to a full fluid level.

I am guessing that this  slamming into gear was happening even when the
case was full of fluid?Was he saying that the evidence of fluid in the
differential was before he changed the seals? No leak now? No topping off
every now and then,anymore? The mixed up fluid/differential oil was changed
to get it clean again?

Maybe check the fluid level in the final drive. See if the  oil is mixed
with trans fluid.

So, the eratic shifting is back.That is your problem and you are shopping
for info to buy a new trans,right?

This trans fluid/ differential oil mixing is a common vanagon problem. If
you search in the archives you will find many exampels of this. Use search
terms like "mixing" "auto trans fluid" "auto trans" "automatic
transmission" . No need to use terms like eratic shifting or slamming or
other descritptions you used above.This is that common. Find out what these
people did .I think they all got new transmissions. You can find out if
they replaced the final drive too. I think they did not. The trans alone is
the same one used in many other contemporary VW vehicles,and should not be
expensive.It is said that the trans can be rebuilt in your driveway with
hand tools.I think the kit is about $100.

Sounds like the current fluid in the trans is new and clean,and up to
proper level.I dont know, but if the trans was getting low on fluid often,
the valve body(which is responsiable for shifting)could have been starved
of fluid to the point where the little pistons inside were scraping on
metal and scoring.The Bentley says to look for this during rebuild.You
mignt talk to  a trans expert about this. Maybe the rest of the trans is
ok. A valve body swap out is very easy to do.Takes one hour and you can do
it yourself ez.Since the trans was used in most other contemporary VW cars
you may be able to find one used.The key here is that your valve body is
scored while another valve body may just be dirty.

Here is what I would do to save the old trans. First (this is getting old)
dump in a can of "seafoam auto trans tune"(advance auto parts$7). See if
you get any improvment at all.Loosen up the collar nut that attaches the
dip stick tube to the fluid pan to drain a bit of fluid to make room for
the seafoam(if necessary).  If you get some improvement, you are on the
right track.Dirty/scored valve body. Leave as much seafoam as possiable in
the trans when swaping out the other valve body.This will clean the new
valve body after you install it(or have it installed).
A pick and pull junkyard will sell you a valve body for about $25.Try to
get one from a trans that looks to be in good shape.The archives may tell
you exactly which cars can donate a valve body that will fit the vanagon
(most).Shift points may be a bit different,but useable(1-3mph
different).Beats the heck out of dropping a transmission,and far less
expensive. Go Westy wants about $1700 plus shipping and dont forget the
installation charge.Your final drive sounds ok(change the oil),and the
trans proper can be changed without dropping the whole cobootle. The trans
proper costs abut 6 or 7 hunderd plus changing costs.Wots of Wuck