Date:         Tue, 22 May 2018 22:27:11 -0400
Reply-To:     Ray Brubaker <rayandmerle@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ray Brubaker <rayandmerle@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Automatic trans and diff questions
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"

Hello, Although I have followed this group by digest for decades I have
hardly ever posted, one reason, I'm a slow typist and after having to use a
computer most of my day I don't feel like writing much in the evening.
Thanks to the list for all the good info over the years. Maybe a short
introduction is in order. I bought my first Vanagon in '93, an '86 Syncro
tin top, converted to TDI power in 2001, making it a great van, and lost it
to an electrical fire in '08, the starter stuck on (salvaged the engine and
entire syncro system for possible reuse, still pending). Since about '10 I
have had a '89 Blue Star auto. I'm an aircraft mechanic by trade and manage
the piston engine overhaul shop at my job.

I have been into most major components on a Vanagon except the engine and
auto trans thus my questions. The trans works normally until it is hot,
then it doesn't want to shift into high even at partial power unless I let
off the power then it will shift and stay in high and pull normally. Also
when shifting into reverse it may not shift unless I increase engine speed
a little and then it drops in hard. It seems to me like an oil pressure
problem. The Bentley manual isn't very helpful in troubleshooting this. I
changed the fluid and filter about 25K ago. the fluid is clean with no
burnt smell. Is there any adjustment for this? Is this a sign of imminent
failure? My daughter, son-in-law, and four kids want to use the van for a
3k to4k trip starting in mid June, can I trust it? I have considered adding
a Lucas autotrans additive but wanted the lists opinion first.

Also the diff output flanges are loose, they will move in and out and
sideways a noticeable amount, enough to make the seals leak even after they
were changed a while ago. I have had the pan off and changed the oil, no
metal in the oil. The looseness is not in the big bearings supporting the
gear carrier. When I changed the seals, the center bolt holding the flange
was not loose and was properly torqued when reinstalled. This has been this
way a long time and other then having to add oil occasionally it functions
normally. Is there a bushing inside the gear carrier that is worn, I don't
see one in the parts break-out? Is it likely to become a problem in the
near future or will it go 1000s of miles yet?

Any advise would be appreciated,

Ray Brubaker