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Subject:Re: Tranny Oil Check
From:Thomas D. Hanlon
Date:Wed, 31 Oct 2001 10:11:47 -0800

Jean-Guy,

What tool do you use to remove the filler plug? I have the 17MM  by about 2"
male socket which fits on a 3/8" socket wrench, but it does not fit under the
floor of the Vanagon, and, hence is unworkable for Vanagon tranny filling. I
have the old Beetle 17MM wrench, but it, too, does not fit the Vanagon.

In Haynes (page 1.10, illustration 10.2A) there is a picture of what appears to
be a short 17MM item which seems to be a special tool for VW. I cannot find it
in any catalogs or at any parts stores.

Thanks,

Tom Hanlon
Palm Springs, CA
84 Westfalia

Jean-Guy Savoie wrote:

> Neal
>
> An old mechainc's trick that has helped me a million times, works 9 times
> out of 10:
>
> It seems that the threads will move easier in the direction they were
> tightened,  so instead of forcing counterclockwise, try turning the bolt /
> nut / plug / threaded device of your choise, clockwise (tightening), just
> enough to barely move it, perhaps 1 degree or less. It will usually let out
> an audible "crack", letting you know whatever rust / crud has loosened it's
> grip.  Then back it off.
>
> I took my tranny plug out this way about a month ago - no problema.
>
> JGS
>
> 84 1.9L Westfalia
> Bleu Schtroumpf
>
>  >
>  > > Ok! last weekend I changed the oil in my 84 Westy. I also tried to
> check
>  > the
>  > > tranny oil while I was under her. After scraping about 1/4" of 1984 mud
>  > off
>  > > just to find the fill plug, It seems to be frozen solid. At least I
>  > couldn't
>  > > budge it. since I don't want to shatter the tranny case with excessive
>  > > force. The question is: Does anyone have a good safe method of removing
>  > the
>  > > fill plug?
>  > >                                         Neal
> >
> > ========================
> > Shawn Wright
> > Computer Systems Manager
> > Shawnigan Lake School
> > http://www.sls.bc.ca
> > swright@sls.bc.ca
> >