The gospel according to Bentley is fluid change at 30K miles and filter
changes at 60k.  If you find any sort of unusual crud in the fluid or
particles/shavings on the filter you should either get it serviced or change
the fluid and filter more often.  I loaded my '85 with Mobil 1 ATF and have
been happy so far -- need to put a lot more miles on it though to give it a
truely ringing endorsement.

Chuck
'85 Wolfsburg Westy - 'Roland the Road Buffalo'

In a message dated 8/30/02 11:01:12 PM, LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:

>Date:    Fri, 30 Aug 2002 19:52:37 -0500
>From:    Larry Alofs <lalofs@ENTERACT.COM>
>Subject: Re: auto trans fluid change?
>
>dave bowers wrote:
>>
>> Hey Folks,
>>
>> I was just curious how often Vanagons should have their auto trans fluid
>> changed? I don't own a Bentley manual yet to check, so I thought I'd
>ask.
>>
>> Is it as frequently as oil changes, i.e. 3 - 5k miles?
>>
>> The PO of my westy had both the oil and auto tranny fluid changed the
>week I
>> bought it, so I do know the status of each. Currently, my trans fluid
>has 6k
>> miles on it. Is there a way to check the condition of my tranny fluid?
>>
>> My engine is running fine (108k) , and I am getting 18 mpg. I am preparing
>> to have my oil changed again and wondered if I need to be concerned with
>my
>> transmission fluid too.
>>
>> Just curious,
>> TIA
>>
>> dave :)
>>
>> _______________
>>
>> dave bowers
>> Portland, Oregon
>> 1986 Westy "G2"
>> http://www.dave-bowers.com/vw
>
>Every two or three years should be OK on the ATF, unless there is extra
>abuse like towing.  I try to do mine every year because I suspect there
>might be some leakage thru the seal from the differential.
>
>Larry A.
>