Thanks everyone for their helpful replies.

The diagram in the bentley had me looking on the TOP of the transmission
for the filler. Once I hit google for advice I got a better idea of how
to go about it.

Unfortunately, I didn't anticipate how much my ramps would flow the
fluid to the front of the van. When I removed the filler plug it gushed
at least a quart onto my driveway before I could run for a basin. (I
always was told to remove the filler first, so that I won't get stuck
with a dry transmission if for some reason the drain comes out and the
filler won't.)

Man, does that stuff ever reek! Once I had the filler out I removed the
drain, and the plug had a LOT of metal filings on it:
http://www.pottsfamily.ca/Vanagon/transplug.jpg

But at least the chunks are small. And Frank was right, it isn't getting
any quieter. Is there anyone here able to help haul a transmission from
Allentown PA to Westies at Watkins?

Next on the agenda: replace the temp sender II and change the engine
oil. Sure is a lovely day out there today!!

Happy Trails,

Greg Potts
1973/74/79 Westfakia "Bob the Tomato"
1987 Wolfsburg Weekender Hardtop
www.busesofthecorn.com
www.pottsfamily.ca

Frank Condelli wrote:
> In a message dated 19/09/2008 9:45:05 P.M. Central Standard Time,
> LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:
>
>         Greg, yes, very  simple.  There are two 17mm socket plugs.  Use a
> 17mm allen key, cut  off a piece about 1 ~ 2" long with box spanner.  One plug is
> dead  centre bottom just behind the bell housing to drain and the other to
> fill  is behind the shift rod on the RH side sort of midway up.  Make sure you
> can remove the filler before draining.  Let drain for at least 1/2 hour and
> have the front jacked up slightly.  Use only Redline MT90 GL4 Synthetic oil  to
> refill.  It is by far the best for this tranny.  Have the van  sitting level.
>  Fill with a long plastic hose until overflowing.  Let  drain until no more
> is coming out of the fill hole.  Use anti-seize on both  drain and fill plugs
> for future ease of removal.  If the tranny is whining  it could very well be
> the input shaft main bearing has been scored.  This  bearing being very large
> and robust will most likely last a long time even  though it has been scored.
> So, don't be surprised if the whining does not  go away.   Is there leaking
> from the seals or case anywhere that may  have lowered the fluid level to have
> caused the bearing to score ?  That  bearing is the one most susceptible to
> damage from lack of oil.
>