In production, that sounds like a reasonable approach to a small
problem. The cost of remaking a mold for production for that simple an
item would be enormous. I think they did the right thing.

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver

Zoran Mladen wrote:
>
> I was looking at the Bentley the other night and found something interesting
> regarding trans oil level.  Bentley claims that in an effort to ease
> shifting, the recommended level for oil (on I believe it was 85 on), was
> actually 15mm below the oil fill plug.  Bentley specifically states that the
> oil plug was not moved down 15mm because VW did not want to change the
> transmission mold.  Anyone else see this or have an opinion?
>
> Z
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Daryl Christensen [mailto:aatransaxle@JUNO.COM]
> Sent: Wednesday, July 25, 2001 11:51 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Tranny oil-level (AA Trans take on the subject)
>
> As I see it...the VW personages tried to improve on the shifting whilst
> using Dino oil and not synthetic...With Redline or any good quality
> modern synthetic, the point is moot due to the thinner viscosity  of
> modern oils...When VW was trying to "modify" the shifting it may have
> been to improve the old stuff that was truly 90 wt and not the 75 or so
> weight oils we now use..
>  I know many shops that just put any old thing in there and fill till it
> dribbles out the fill hole...never have I had a customer with a problem
> that I am aware of from filling it that way. I firmly believe that just
> changing it once in a while is the key to longevity...as the trans wears,
> a synthetic may help the shifting more than a fresh rebuit trans. I
> haven't put anything other that Redline in for years, so can't vouch for
> how most shift with plain old 90 wt in 'em.
>  Just change it every 30K and use synthetic if available (esp in colder
> climates)
> Daryl of AA Transaxle
> Duvall, WA.(Seattle area)
> (425) 788-4070
> 1-877-377-0773 toll free
> http://www.aatransaxle.com (web site)