Date:         Fri, 26 Mar 1999 08:33:17 -0800
Reply-To:     Vernon Craddock <Vernon@CRADDOCK.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Vernon Craddock <Vernon@CRADDOCK.COM>
Subject:      Transmission Fluid change
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Hello,
        My transmission was rebuilt 1 year ago due to breakage in the 3-4
synchronizer ring.  Anyway, Last night I drained the  transmission and
refilled with Redline MT90.  Shifting is very smooth now, 2nd was hard to
get into before. Thanks to everyone on the list for the info about doing
this.  I purchased the 17mm hex key from Sears and cut just over an inch
off of the short leg.  Tool worked great for drain and filler plugs.  Bonus
tool, I used the 1" cut off piece with a 17mm ratcheting endwrench once the
plugs were free.  I started by putting a 2" block under each wheel for more
working space. Once the fluid started to drain, I raised the front of the
van, then lowered to level before refill.  I suppose most of the old fluid
drained out because it took nearly 4 quarts before it overflowed.  I know,
it not supposed to be that full.  At this point, I removed the 2" block
from the right front wheel causing more of the new fluid to overflow.
 Hopefully it is now close to the specified fill amount.

Thanks to all,
Vernon

P.s.  Is 1 year old gear oil with 12,000 miles on it supposed to be black
and extremely foul smelling?