Date:         Fri, 23 Jan 2009 13:23:20 -0800
Reply-To:     Philip Zimmerman <philzimm1@OBERON.ARK.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Philip Zimmerman <philzimm1@OBERON.ARK.COM>
Subject:      Re: Automatic transmission cooler-advice wanted
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed

Date:    Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:55:08 -0500
From:    "Ahlgrim, Kevin" <kahlgrim@IUSB.EDU>
Subject: Automatic transmission cooler-advice wanted

I believe my 1984 automatic transmission cooler has failed since I have
flu=
id coming out my fill tube and from all the research I have done on
this su=
bject.  I am looking for advice on how to fix the problem.
------------------------
Hi Kevin,

Good advice from the previous poster. Check your AT Dipstick for
tell-tail signs
of Coolant and/or Gear-Oil from the Differential. The first indicator
(on the Dipstick)
of AT Fluid contamination would be the level of fluid showing on the
dipstick. Showing an Over-filled condition would indicate fluids from
either the Cooling System or Diff getting into the AT. A low fluid
level on the Dipstick would show AT fluid leaking out of the AT into
either of the aforementioned sources. If the Dipstick reads within the
"normal" (warmed up) level and doesn't show or smell of things other
than Clean AT Fluid, your AT is probably still Ok and the Vents are
just plugged.....

My hunch, given what you have reported so far and as the previous
poster mentioned; either one or both AT Case Vents are plugged. The
puking of AT fluid out of the Filler-Tube often happens when a Van sits
for long periods of time or driven in real dusty or wet sloppy
conditions.

The two vents are accessible (kind-of if you have small long arms) from
the engine compartment. One, way forward on the Differential Housing,
centerline near the mating of the AT & Diff, Cases. The second-vent is
located about halfway along the Diff-Housing, right-hand side of
centerline. Each is a metal "Cap" about 5/8" in Diameter, crimped onto
a nipple cast into the Case. Cleaning can be easily accomplished by
shooting some penetrating oil on the Caps. Wiggling the Caps until they
feel loose and free. If you have Compressed Air available, shoot a
low-pressure blast under the caps. If this doesn't stop the AT Fluid
from puking out the Filler-Tube try the following. Pry-off the Caps
(without destroying them), use a suitable wire to clear the hole in the
center of the case-nipple. Replace the Caps and ensure they are crimped
back on securely.

FWIW... Polly a good idea to change the AT Fluid. Get a look-see what's
inside on the Filter-Screen and the condition of the AT Fluid.

regards

Phil Z.
'87 Westie
Campbell River, BC