Date: Sat, 2 Jan 2016 22:35:05 -0500
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Auto Synthetic fluid recommendation needed
In-Reply-To: <56F747A2-826D-4377-B48D-0948BAB70782@comcast.net>
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If your leaking enough transmission fluid that you need to top it off you have a repair coming. The most likely place for these to leak is at the torque converter seal and sometimes even the torque converter itself. Other leaks possibly are at the pan gasket, dipstick connection, governor seal (internal), or the seals between the auto section and the final drive. There may even be small leak at the shift and accelerator linkages.
There is nothing wrong with this choice of fluid except maybe price. The hype is also excellent but it won't fix stuff that is worn or broken. My preference is to try to match fluids already in a system. Valvoline has a synthetic ATF (Max Life) that is often available at Walmart and local auto stores at reasonable pricing. On sale as low as $5.99/quart. My choice is still the Mobil 1 synthetic ATF sometimes $7.99 or $8.99.
When checking the ATF level it is extremely important for the van to be fairly level, especially side to side. ATF fluid being warm means after being driven. At the lower mark on the dipstick begin adding 8 ounces. Then if you still need more only add 4 more.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Eric Caron
Sent: Saturday, January 2, 2016 6:55 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Auto Synthetic fluid recommendation needed
Folks,
Would this product be safe for me to use in the application I described below?
Royal Purple 01320 Max ATF High Performance Multi-Spec Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid - 1 qt.
by Royal Purple
Learn more
I tried to include the amazon link above but I’m not accomplished with that skill yet.
> On Jan 2, 2016, at 6:17 PM, Eric Caron <ecaron1@COMCAST.NET> wrote:
>
> Hello helpful listers,
>
> Two years ago I had a local garage change my auto transmission fluid to synthetic. I can’t find a record of the type of fluid used. I need to add some fluid as the indicator is showing the level now just below the lower line.
> I had the fluid checked with engine hot and running. I’m also told there is a three or four inch red spot on the tarp where I park the van. so I assume the fluid is red.
>
> Anyway. As the fluid is hopefully synthetic what is the proper synthetic automatic transmission fluid to add? Parts counter folks have not seemed to have a good recommendation.
>
> Also with the fluid just below the low line how much should I add to try to get it to the middle? This will be tricky as I believe this is added through the dip stick opening.
>
> So most important what Synthetic fluid should I add?
>
> second how much for the first attempt.
>
> Any other tips or info is appreciated.
>
> Thanks folks
>
> Eric Caron
> 85 GL Auto Westfalia
