Another choice is the Amsoil gear oil, they have a series 3000
synthetic which is rated GL1-5 and MT-1, which I've had in my
'88 Westy for a year now. I'd say it feels about the same as
Redline.
I've had Redline MTL in my Jetta for about 5-6 years now, so it
is also an excellent choice. My Jetta now has 455k km on trans
- it has never been apart, and still shifts very smoothly,
although has a bit of bearing noise at idle in N.

Just thought I'd mention the Amsoil in case you have trouble
finding Redline - both are around the same price.

On 31 Oct 2001 at 20:47, Daryl Christensen wrote:

> My personal experience along with many customers is that Redline is the
> oil of choice...MT-90 is what is recommended for the Vanagon...MTL is
> supposed to be for the Jetta style trans but it is thinner and many have
> used it for the vans.
> Try it , you'll like it...someone around Portland has to carry it, but if
> not, I can ship you some.
> Daryl of AA Transaxle
> Duvall, WA.(Seattle area)
> (425) 788-4070
> 1-877-377-0773 toll free
> http://www.aatransaxle.com (web site)
>
> Thanks for the discussion on accessing the tranny fill port,
> tools for the job, etc.
>
> On my recently acquired '89 vanagon GL, I've got that 2nd gear
> grinding when shifting issue when the van is cold.  No problems
> when things warm up in five minutes or so of driving.  I'm told
> that synthetic oil can reduce the severity of my cold shifting
> issue and my push out my impending tranny rebuild.
>
> Any recommendations, which brand of synth. tranny oil works well, etc.
>
> By the way,  my other two past vanagons had a similar problem -- getting
> really good at double clutching...

========================
Shawn Wright
Computer Systems Manager
Shawnigan Lake School
http://www.sls.bc.ca
swright@sls.bc.ca