Andrew,
thanks for the advice.   I'll probably drop my automatic transmission
this weekend and then contact Jeff about some used parts after I
inspect it.  I think there is at least 1 broken bolt stud in the
torque converter, possibly more.

If anyone knows where I can get a rebuilt torque converter, send me mail.

Regards,
Craig

----- Original Message -----
From: andrew.yarnell@kimley-horn.com <andrew.yarnell@kimley-horn.com>
Date: Wed, 28 Jul 2004 13:27:23 -0500
Subject: RE: Broken bolt on torque converter
To: craigoda@gmail.com
Cc: vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com

Craig,

A few months back I pulled my AT to replace the torque converter seal,
and do a filter change and service. It took all weekend to do the
whole job (probably 12 hours total over 2 days, and I go slow). I am
not a professional mechanic, but I love working on my cars so I know
what I am doing. I used the Bentley manual as well as the information
on www.vanagonparts.com tech section. I also took some time to clean
the years of crap off the case and repack the CV joints.

Make sure you get the rear end jacked up as high as you can, and
support the engine really well from above or below. I found it easier
to use a length of chain from above to hold the engine up with the AT
out.

This is a big job, and I would suggest finding an assistant for the
pulling, and installation of the AT, I pulled it out by myself, but
without my wife on the jack, I would have never of got it back in. I
ended up fashioning a little cart to hold the transmission on the
jack, because it kept wanting to slide off.

You can do, if you have a few wrenches and some know how.

Feel free to email me if you have any other questions about the
pulling the AT, I still have it fresh in my mind, and maybe I can help
you avoid any mistakes along the way.

Good luck,

Andy Y.
1989 Vanagon Carat