Ouch!  Sounds like a broken torque converter, or it possibly came unbolted
from the flywheel if it wasn't installed properly.  Probably not a cheap
fix, but start looking for a used one after checking with the dealer on the
price of a new one.  Or, if you are really fed up with this rig sell it as
is and get a new Eurovan Camper with a warranty.  Unfortunately, that's not
cheap either!

Every time I get fed up with something on my old Wesy I go through this
exercise, but with my scottish heritage I just can't rationalize $45,000 for
a new Eurovan Camper, no matter how nice. Besides, the consensus seems to be
that the Vanagon is a better camper, while the Eurovan is much better on the
road.

With cars this age you pretty much have to figure on replacing all running
gear sooner or later.  I've almost done that (third engine, second
transmission, hoses, suspension, etc. in 250,000 miles) and I feel I have a
reasonably reliable machine now, but you never know.  That's why people buy
new cars with warranties.

Stuart MacMillan
'84 Westy w/2.1