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Date:         Thu, 18 Mar 1999 02:52:38 EST
Reply-To:     Jwilli941@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Todd Hill <Jwilli941@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Manual Trans refill delimmas
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

JiMelody@ZIANET.COM writes:

<< is it o.k. to mix the two oils and if not, what are my other options. >>

One of VW's finer engineering feats...... sure go ahead and mix the two. Now if you're a real glutton for punishment what you could do is jack the Van up and drain the old oil. Then refill with Automatic trans fluid and start the Van. With the engine idling slip the trans into 3rd and slowly let out the clutch. The usual warnings about vehicles with running engines and transaxles engaged apply here. Be careful and pay attention! With the ATF sloshing around it will clean out the insides probably as best possible w/o splitting the case halves. Drain the ATF after 10 minutes or so and then refill with your favorite brand of GL4 synthetic gear oil. The ATF is highly detergent and any dirt or other trans junk will remain suspended and will mix with the GL4. If you're really paranoid about stuff floating about the transaxle's innards then, like shampoo, do the ATF splooge thing again. After 20-30 minutes of sloshing around the insides of your gearbox will be as clean as you can get. Then dump the ATF and refill with the GL4. Since the trans is not under load but just 'spinning' the lightweight 10W ATF will provide enough lubrication properties to keep things from wearing while it cleans the internal surfaces. As usual- YMMV! At least this has worked for me when dealing with gearboxes that have sat for the last 10 years and the old oil is like tar!

-Todd Hill VolksWerks Transaxles Olympia, WA 360-412-0948

PS- I've heard of people using Diesel instead of ATF. Personally, I can't stand the smell of Diesel so I go for the cheapest ATF I can find! You ever get a whiff of 30 year old gear oil?? Yuck!


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