The problem you have here is that you used the wrong seals or they are
installed wrong. The seals are to be installed with the lips facing away
from each other. The correct seals will have three raised edges on the side
opposite the lips. These edges must face each other so that the seals have a
gap between them when installed. In addition, one of the spaces between the
seals should face down. If you look at the housing, there is a hole that
actually leads to the bottom of the transmission. This is to drain off any
oil that gets past either seal keeping them from mixing. Also, make sure
that neither section is overfilled.

Hope this helps.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
Of Steve Sandlin
Sent: Sunday, October 29, 2000 2:50 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: 84 automatic trans reseal

About 5000 miles back, I replaced the transaxle in my 84 with a used unit,
and replaced the torque converter seal, axle seals, and the twin seals
between the transmission and final drive sections.  I began, about 3000
miles ago, seeing the ATF levels increasing, and ATF leaking from being
overfilled.  Sure enough, the axle section was being depleted of gear lube,
symptomatic of the seals leaking.  As a band-aid, because I had to make a
300 mile trip, I changed ATF and topped off the axle.  After 150 miles, It
began shifting poorly, and is overfilled again.  I did add a pint of
transmission additive.  At any rate, I have finally gotten the two new seals
and am going to replace them today.  Anybody got anything else I shold look
for, as to why they failed this soon in the first place?  I'm planning on
draining all the ATF in the pan, refilling it, driving about a week, and
draining again to try to remove as much of the tainted fluid as possible.
Any other hints?
Thanks again,
Steve Sandlin
'84 Wolfsburg Westy
'79 Transporter
'00 New Beetle
www.steveslockshop.com