Volks,

I have a 1981 Westy with a professionally rebuilt engine with about 2K
miles on it.  About 10K miles before the engine was redone  the auto
tranny was overhauled by the P.O. by a local shop.

I note of late that when I drop it into drive after a cold start after
sitting overnight, it seems that the engine has to race a bit to get the
van to move.  At all other times there is no evidence of slippage.  In
fact the transmission seems to act normally after driving the 300 feet
to end of my drive.

I have checked the transmission oil and find it half-way between the
full and add marks.  The oil was checked in accordance with the Haynes
Manual (yah I know its less than perfect, but its all I could find on
short notice).  The manual states that the transmission oil is to
checked when tranny is luke warm as is would be after a mile or two
drive.

So with all that being said, is it normal for this transmission to
require a higher RPM when cold to move the vehicle just after a cold
start?  I am quite concerned here as I am planning to take the van to
the Grand Canyon in September and a breakdown out west is no picnic.

Dave Kinerson
Albany NY