Are you sure there is coolant mixed with the tranny fluid coming out of the fill tube?
There are other reasons why fluid might be burping, such as plugged breather ports on
top of the tranny.
If indeed coolant has mixed with the fluid, yes, the tranny is toast, but now you also
have fluid mixed with the coolant, so a thorough flush of the cooling system will be
required.
Hopefully, others more knowledgeable than I am, will lend their expertise.
Good Luck.
Jerry

----- Original Message -----
From: "Ahlgrim, Kevin" <kahlgrim@IUSB.EDU>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2009 1:55 PM
Subject: Automatic transmission cooler-advice wanted

I believe my 1984 automatic transmission cooler has failed since I have fluid coming
out my fill tube and from all the research I have done on this subject.  I am looking
for advice on how to fix the problem.  I figure I have three choices:

1.        Buy a new replacement for $300.  The problem with this is that I only spent
$300 for the Vanagon so to buy a part as much as I paid for it is hard for me.

2.       Find a used good one.  Is that possible?

3.       Install an aftermarket cooler kit?  Costs about half that of an original
cooler but do they work as well?  I guess if antifreeze doesn't mix with the
transmission fluid then it is better.

Any help would be appreciated.  I've only had this van on the road for about a month
and I miss driving it already.
Thanks,
Kevin