Date:         Thu, 26 Jun 2014 05:30:57 -0700
Reply-To:     Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Hi list. 90 syncro bad leak stuck in parking lot
In-Reply-To:  <CAFnDXk1Z0D0ed1rFWKYebszDtfa-4df-5maVkBqG8yXNxe1eBw@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8

  That sucks, having vehicle problems on your trip right after spending a
lot to have new stuff.   Wendover...not the best place to break down, but
if you are heading east I think there are quite a few options for
mechanical help in SLC area.  I'd guess by now Elko has a shop that might
know Vanagons, too.

   I'd suggest you have some coffee this morning and then start a
spelunking expedition....crawl in there and under there and find out just
where your leak is.   Jim had good suggestions.
   Once you've traced the source you can decide what's next.   You may be
able to top up whatever is leaking and proceed to a formal repair place
with a lift, shade and security..... or just fix it right there under the
Giant Cowboy in the parking lot..

 It's not a total tragedy.  You'll figure it out and look back on the
episode later as a story to tell, your breakdown in Wendover...I know, it's
not what you had planned when you left on your trip, but it's what you must
deal with right now.. so take a deep breath and know it won't be that
bad...hopefully.. Good luck and post what your findings are.

  Wendover....Isn't that where Tom Hanks had his brand new Go Westie
goldplater Syncro blow up, too?  Something in the air?   Maybe they don't
like that Interstate....



On Thu, Jun 26, 2014 at 4:25 AM, Jim Felder <jim.felder@gmail.com> wrote:

> I can't think of any reason that a transmission would dump two quarts of
> fluid where a car sits unless somebody got under it and drilled a hole in
> the case. Others may chin in on something that could let that amount go at
> one time, but I can't think of it.
>
> As for oil, That's more than a leaking seal, but could be a leaking o-ring
> on the 2.1's so-called oil cooler in the stack between the oil filter and
> the flange it screws into. It doesn't matter when the oil was changed or
> how new the engine it, it just matters where it is right now. If the oil
> level is right, and doesn't have any water in it, then it's not the oil.
>
> Which leaves coolant and power steering fluid and one more thing. Coolant
> can be deceiving. After it flows down a dirty engine it can look like some
> other fluid. But it is a usual suspect for sudden loss, as in a temp II
> sensor clip blowing out (ask me how i know about that!). Power steering
> fluid? Both that and coolant level are easy enough to check.
>
> The other thing is could be is something I had happen one time. I was
> carrying spare oil under the rear seat, and one of the bottle cracked and
> leaked out under the car. What a mass, but at the time I was so glad it was
> totally unrelated to the engine.
>
> It probably is not the transmission, but it if it, there will be no way to
> check it with the fluid that low except to drain what is left and measure
> it. Once it gets down below the topping off level, which is actually about
> an inch below the hole, as I recall, I don't think a measurement inside the
> case is likely.
>
> Let us know.
>
> Jim
>
>
> On Thu, Jun 26, 2014 at 3:52 AM, Nomadix <subarusyncro@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > Hi new 2.2 engine in syncro.   First 300 miles had main seal leak. Got
> > that fixed under warranty.     On 3000 mile road trip 680 miles into it
> > have been having a leak.  Thought it was oil at first but oil was just
> > changed at 800 miles of new Engine now have 1180 on new engine.   Fluid
> was
> > dark and dirty.   Now am thinking it might have been Manuel transmission
> > fluid (gearbox fluid).  I know that holds 5 quarts. Sure I have seen
> about
> > two quarts in puddles here and there.
> >
> > Oil dip stick is in between the marks.  Don't know what it was at after
> > oil change.
> >
> > Grounded van in parkin lot for the night so can access better in morning
> >
> > Is there a way to check Manuel transmission fluid level?
> >
> > Any help would be great.  Have some pics don't know how to post to list.
> >
> > In wendover nv.  So not to much out here via volks folks.
> >
> > Have tools with me :)
> >
> > Thanks
> > Bob
> >
>