Date:         Thu, 17 Sep 1998 17:36:38 -0500
Reply-To:     "Philip R. Hanlon" <prhanlon@DIBBS.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         "Philip R. Hanlon" <prhanlon@DIBBS.NET>
Subject:      AT questions
Comments: To: Vanagon List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Vanagoners:

        Upon reexamination, the fine sheen on my forward engine compartment could
be ATF. I suppose that the leaking torque converter seals will endure for
quite some time and that nothing needs to be done until a steady leak
develops.
        What I'd like to ask the list (with reference to the illustrations in
Bentley, 38.2 and 39.50): just how does the AT work its magic?
        I'm unclear how the power is transmitted. The torque converter is bolted
to the engine flywheel. The engine torque is transmitted to the
transmission and final drive via viscous coupling (a bath of ATF.) Does the
pump shaft and turbine shaft run to the automatic transmission inside of
the pinion? And then the AT drives the pinion, ring gear, etc...?
        A few good cutaway (transparent) diagrams would certainly help. I guess if
I ever put my hands on the unit the answer would be obvious. All the
"moving" parts (that is, moving during gear shifts) are in the transmission
housing itself, right? The pump shaft and turbine shaft (are they the same
item or is one inside of the other?) are constantly moving at the same RPM
as the engine, right?
        I'd welcome any expositions on these instruments.

Philip R. Hanlon
Mobile, AL  91 Carat