Thanks guys for your reports. I checked the fluids and all is fine
..... I had 3 leaks fixed, the front seal where the cooler attaches,
the O-Ring on the round cover near the top of the trans and that thing
next to it , part of the 2nd Gear Brake Band. The mechanic had to drop
the trans valve body to replace that seal.  He did a great job for a
reasonable price.  I learned that the stock VW cooler can prove fatal
so he installed a separate cooler.

I'm glad to hear that mine is Ok.    Bill89westy23

On 3/5/09, Scott Daniel  - Turbovans <scottdaniel@turbovans.com> wrote:
> Yeah, mine too.
> Normal I think.
> If I swap out even two qts. of Royal Purple ATF I can feel my van go a
> little better - very good stuff....
> doesn't change the whine level of 1st gear though.
> scott
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Bill Prats" <b.bill.p@GMAIL.COM>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2009 8:48 AM
> Subject: Auto Trans 1st Gear Noise
>
>
>> 1989 Westy Automatic.  Just wonder if you all notice that first gear
>> is kinda whinny..... yesterday I took all the cushions and carpet out
>> of my Westy before taking it in for service .... first gear was
>> definitely audible and after service for some reason it sounded louder
>> to me.  Tranny Dextron III is pretty and pink.
>>
>> Bill89Westy23
>
>