On Mon, Oct 12, 2009 at 6:00 PM, David Cohen <Mtbdavid2@aol.com> wrote:

> Hi,
>  I recently purchased a 1990 Vanagon GL with manual  transmission.  Around
> town and before the van heats up I can shift up and  down to third without
> grinding but as soon as I drive on the freeway for any  amount of time and
> then downshift or up shift into third it grinds.  I  assume it's because of
> the heating up and thinning of the gear oil and a bad 3rd  gear syncro.  Is
> this correct?  I assume I am looking at a full  rebuild or replace with a
> rebuilt 4spd tranny.  Your help is  appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
> David (new owner of Vanagon and love it)
>

David,

Welcome to the wonderful world of the Vanagon. Sadly changing tranny oil is
something that many owners neglect. Before spending the big bucks on a
rebuild, change the oil with some good synthetic gear oil. I like Redline
MT-90. It will make a big improvement in shifting anb works much better in
hot operating temps.

To get an idea of the job see:
http://www.vanagonauts.com/Changing-gearbox-oil101.htm

Good luck and enjoy the Vanagon

Oh and check out the Rescue Squad link below.

John Meeks
'91 Multivan
Northern Michigan

Vanagon Rescue Squad
http://www.vanagonauts.com/Vanagon_Rescue_Squad74.htm

Radio Call:KC8ZFN