Unbolt the shift linkage at the tranny and move it out of the way.  It
probably needs cleaning and lubricating anyway.  The tool I used was the VW
transmission wrench sold at NAPA.  It is just a big allen wrench.

                                                        Jay

"Thomas D. Hanlon" <hanran@EARTHLINK.NET>@gerry.vanagon.com> on 10/31/2001
01:11:47 PM

Please respond to "Thomas D. Hanlon" <hanran@EARTHLINK.NET>

Sent by:  Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>

To:   vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
cc:
Subject:  Re: Tranny Oil Check

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
> >