You mght want to try a different gear oil such as Redline MT90 to help with
the cold shifting issue.
Cured quite a few that way assuming its just a weak synchro ring.
Also if the tranny has a pile O miles on it, the 3/4 hub might be cracking
if its still the early factory version.
Most of us pull just the tranny and leave the engine in place to do even the
flywheel seal..
Holler if questions
Daryl of AA Transaxle
(425) 788-4070
aatransaxle.com
86 Syncro Westy
Zetec in the trunk
----- Original Message -----
From: "Tom Jansen" <norgecastle@TX.RR.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, June 07, 2009 7:34 PM
Subject: Tranny leak?

I have a rather large leak out the engine side of my 1989 westi.   I believe
it is the main seal .  Is there any way of working this except to take out
the engine and tranny?     If that is it what should I get done while it is
out.   the engine was bebuilt 25K miles ago and 4 years.   I have tried some
Lucas Tranny additive, no diff.    I have heard of using brake fluid to try
to plump up the seals, a little scared ot that as it is so corrosive.
   Second issue is while the tranny is out should I find someone that could
get a little taller gear in 4th.???   Also sinchro in 2nd grinds a little in
the cooler weather when the oil is thicker, ok when it warms up..  Anyone
have a rebuilt with higher gearing??

Thanks for input
Tom Jansen
Coppell, Texas....