Overfilling a gearbox or any other compartment can cause all sorts of grief.
The first is the fluid foaming and overheating from the churning and
aeration. The first sign of trouble is the seals failing. Left long enough
at fast enough speeds or high loads and mechanical failures are the next
result. As an example many water boxer oil pressure problems and thrown rods
are the result of over filling. With most things oil filled you are better
under filled than overfilled.

Oil level should always be checked with the vehicle level, both directions.
For the final drive, get it level and remove the fill plug, allow it to
drain.

ATF needs to be checked somewhat arm, engine running in park or neutral. Oil
level between the marks is good. Never above the top mark.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Michael Sullivan
Sent: Monday, March 29, 2010 8:27 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Danger of too much Gear Oil

Finished changing gear oil the other day and have ony driven a few miles.
Need to get under and recheck level since I had the front end jacked up when
i filled the final drive.  Level was below (just barely) the lip of the
refill plug.  My question is do I need to get under there and re check level
now that van is level?  And if it WAS a little too full, what is danger?
Thanks.
Michael in San Antonio
91GL AT 'Gringo'
73 Beetle