a totally wasted pilot brg could allow the trans input shaft to wobble
around..
putting stress on the trans  input shaft seal.

It's super easy to tell gear oil from engine oil usually. I suppose MT-90
might feel and smell somewhat like engine oil , but normal gear oil is very
smelly.

There is no substitute for disassembly and inspection. No amount of emails
or talking will change anything on the vehicle........or rarely, let's say.

----- Original Message -----
From: "craig cowan" <phishman068@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, November 13, 2011 2:45 PM
Subject: Re: Transmission Woes

> Fun question,
> how likely is it that a failing pilot bearing would result in a BIG oil
> leak?
> I do not believe (but can't confirm that it isn't) gear oil. It's likely
> engine oil.
> Is it possible for a failing pilot bearing to kill the rear main seal?
>
> I now have an epic drip.
> And strangely, intermittent "BIG SMOKE" while driving. We see no
> similarities at all between when the big smoke comes, and when it doesn't.
>
> What an odd day.
> Any thoughts?
>
> -Craig
> '85 GL turned WESTY
> BOSTIG in the back
> '87 SUNROOF syncro
> '90 GL DRIVING!!!!!
>
> On Mon, Nov 7, 2011 at 6:23 PM, turbowesty <turbowesty@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Frank as in frankcondelli.com, our Scott (as in turbovans.com) in this
>> neck of the woods. I'll follow up on this with you in pmail... thanks.
>>
>> Regards, Peter Kraiker
>> nextchapter.kraikerphoto.com
>> Toronto, ON, Canada
>> '82 L Westfalia 1.9 TD 5 Spd (Babe)
>>
>> On 2011-11-07, at 3:58 PM, Scott Daniel - Turbovans wrote:
>>
>> > Frank ?
>> > the Frank I know - 82 Diesel Westy 1.9 NA ..that frank ?
>> >
>> > anyway ..if you would like a improved diesel vanagon clutch slave
>> bracket,
>> > I can make you one just fine.
>> > I need your old one in exchange as part of the deal.
>>