Date:    Sun, 12 Aug 2007 17:04:08 -0700
From:    THOMAS IN GEORGIA <vilaamerica@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: Replace transaxle fluid or let it be-just add? 106,000 miles

HI,
  I have a 81 high-top Joker Edition Vanagon, diesel, 4-speed with
170,000Km on it. Should I replace the transaxle fluid or just check and
add some?

  From,
      Thomas

  Marietta, GA

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Thomas,

You don't say whether this van is new to you of if you have owned it for
some time and know the history of the transaxle's maintenance.

However...it sounds like you may be unclear as to just how long the
fluid has been sloshing around in there so it would be better to assume
it may never have been touched and a complete change of the fluid would
be your best course of action.

I would suggest using a good synthetic transaxle oil (it is worth the
additional cost) and perhaps a gearbox oil treatment additive such as
Nulon (or equivalent as available) as well. 
I change my 5sp transaxle oil every 90,000kms with synthetic fluid and
the Nulon additive and it has done the right thing by me for 303,000kms
now....

Cheers,
Steve O
NSW Australia
'92 Transporter WBX Kombi
'00 Transporter Double Cab
'03 Transporter Double Cab (work truck)
'07 Passat Variant TDI
'78 Land Rover Series 3 109 soft top ute (ex-Aust. Army)