Date:         Mon, 23 Jul 2007 11:02:02 -0700
Reply-To:     Michael Elliott <camping.elliott@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Michael Elliott <camping.elliott@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: The automatic tranny on vanagons
Comments: To: David Kao <dtkao0205@YAHOO.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <6712.79992.qm@web82707.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

David Kao typed:
> Even with 4-speed manual tranny vanagons (2WD) will be difficult to
> drive on very bumpy roads, especially going uphill. When going uphill
> on bumpy road you have to drive very slowly (unless you enjoy rock &
> roll). But then the engine just does not have enough torque at low
> RPM. The van won't move and the engine will stall. But if you step on
> the pedal to increase torque the van would want to go too fast. Kids
> riding in the vanagon could be tossed off the seats.
>
> The solution to me was to use the clutch to battle with the problem.
> I would drive slowly. And I would step on the clutch before the engine
> stalls. I rev up the engine then engage the clutch to move on. Very
> stressful to the clutch. But there wasn't anything else I could do.

I dunno about popping the clutch much, I'd probably do that as needed,
but also use a combination of gas pedal and clutch pedal and slippage to
keep the engine running and the van moving. Exactly why I wished I'd-a
had a manual instead of the auto in Mellow Yellow. I think I've owned
one car in my lifetime with an auto. I like manuals because I have more
control over rpms and ground speed.


--
Mike "Rocket J Squirrel" Elliott
71 Type 2: the Wonderbus
84 Westfalia: Mellow Yellow ("The Electrical Banana")
74 Utility Trailer. Ladybug Trailer, Inc., San Juan Capistrano
KG6RCR