Barry Muller wrote:

>
> Question 1(a & b):  Did I screw-up by putting dexron III in?  What are
> you using and what is your experience with leaks?

Most likely , no problem at all with the Dex III. In fact, I'm
reasonably sure you could put cooking oil in it. Might smell like french
fries when it leaks, though!
Seriously, In the world's largest hog slaughtering facility, where I
worked at one time, all hydraulic systems use vegetable oil. In case of
a leak, there is no contamination of the product.
That stuff is just not that intolerant.. Nearly all the joints are
o-ring sealed. Things need to be smooth, but clearances could probably
vary by .005". This is about twice what your rod and main bearings have
as MAX. tolerance is about.001".
Now what WAS very fussy about size were the Bosch mechanical injection
pumps used for PETROL. Gasoline is not very viscous nor does it have
much lubricating capacity. (Very much different than the similar diesel
pumps.) Many years ago I visited one of the few people that repaired
them in this country. Seems liek he told me the fit was to a few TEN
thousandths of an inch! Stuff that tight, then you need to be very
careful about the lube!

>
>
> Q2 (a & b): How bad is it to rebuild the rack with new seals?  Is it
> worth the time/hassle computation, or should I just chalk this up to
> another expensive lesson and buy a rebuild and install it?

Try a rebuilt rack. With bad boots, there could be rust on the steel parts.

>
>
> Q3 (a & B): Did they ever sell the Vanagon in NA with a manual rack?  If

so, has anyone done the transplant?
Many have. It just depends on where you drive, who drives and what is
important. My wife hates my 82
because she is used to the power steering of her 91.
Al Brase