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Date:         Mon, 17 Nov 2014 09:31:42 -0800
Reply-To:     Rick Cooper <rickdcooper@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Rick Cooper <rickdcooper@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: 87 Westy 2WD -- only reverse gear in automatic transmission
              works
Comments: To: Robert Fisher <garciasghostvw@gmail.com>
In-Reply-To:  <CAB5BEXbV5V6FwBPh3eWLcnx2v2mmV8ygPtW=mftETs95i-7KyA@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8

Thanks gents for all the feedback and different perspectives. I pulled the tranny yesterday and think I'll take a shot a taking it apart. Thanks also for the links Robert, I hadn't come accross wittrans.com before.

Do I really need to dismantle the valve body or is there some other way to get any gunk out? I am planning to replace the TC. Even with that, hopefully I can get this done for less than $500 as opposed to the $2000 plus for a professionally rebuilt unit.

Rick

On Sun, Nov 16, 2014 at 3:53 PM, Robert Fisher <garciasghostvw@gmail.com> wrote:

> It doesn't require any special tools - you need to set the brake band > tension in inch pounds, but that's about it. If you've rebuilt engines you > can do this, and I'm 98% sure that you are correct in that it's the forward > clutch. > > Earlier today I described the process to someone as "painstaking". You > have to be particularly clean and well-organized. The fluid in the case and > internals will want to get all over everything. I did most of my work in a > large Rubbermaid bin lid lined with plastic. I took a picture every time I > did something - every stage, every time (and it saved my ass later). > > You may want to go in for a reconditioned valve body if it appears to need > it (how many miles are on this tranny, do you know?). It isn't necessarily > likely, but it's an option. Cleaning the VB requires the most care and > attention (and lint free cloths) imo. > > I would always replace the TC in doing this - the one you have is full of > friction lining material and other crap that you won't be able to get out; > it's my pet theory that that's the stuff that causes the cold shifting > problem these things get right before they die (choking up the vanes in the > TC until it gets warm(er) and they free up). > > The last time I got parts for an overhaul I got them from > www.makcotransmissionparts.com and www.wittrans.com (I think because I > couldn't get everything at one place). The standard rebuild kit doesn't > quite have everything you need, so you need to make a comprehensive list. > > Alternately, you could get a rebuilt from German Transaxle (which is of > course much more expensive than rolling your own). > > Keep us posted! > > > On Sun, Nov 16, 2014 at 6:20 PM, Rick Cooper <rickdcooper@gmail.com> > wrote: > >> Just bought an 1987 2WD Westy with a faulty automatic transmission. Fell >> in love with these things this past summer but could not afford a nice, >> clean one so I picked up this one last week instead. It's in lovely shape >> but only reverse gear works. There is no forward motion in any of 1, 2 >> or >> D, though with both rear wheels off the ground, they will spin slowly. >> Based on the chart in the Bentley, looks like this could be the forward >> clutch, but I know darn little about these things. >> >> Looks like I'm gonna have to fix this since my wife refuses to see the >> country backwards. Being the curious type, I'm wondering whether I dare >> try taking it apart myself. Anyone have experience with rebuilding these? >> I've overhauled a couple of engines but never touched an AT. Does it >> require special tools? Also, is there a source for a rebuild kit -- can't >> see one on either the GoWesty or the Bus Depot sites. >> >> Rick >> > > > > -- > Cya, > Robert > > '87 2.1/Auto GL >


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