Stuart - thanks. That clarifys some of the strangeness I'm getting out
of this machine. I'm complete.y new to it, so have a lot to learn like
what's right with it - and what isn't. Got a bit of learning curve to
deal with.

John

On 6/24/2014 12:44 PM, Stuart MacMillan wrote:
> I keep hearing these auto trannys are strong and last a long time.  What
> typically does them in is leaks, either from the cooler or the seal between
> the transmission and the differential. Subaru 2.5s driven hard can overheat
> them too.  Higher shift points & more power means more stress.
>
> The VW factory authorized shop I use will reseal my transmission, adjust the
> slop out of my ring and pinion and refill the diff with synthetic oil for
> $500 if I carry it in, which I'm going to do. Someday.  I'm also going to
> replace the cooler with the one from FAS/Van Caf� before I do the Subaru
> conversion. Someday.
>
> Right now in my '85 with 140k and a tired 1.9 it works fine, though on any
> sort of incline I manually raise the 2-3 shift point from 3000 to 4500 rpm
> (about 55 mph).  That gets my 0-60 time down to about 30 seconds, depending
> on the steepness of the hill or on-ramp.  I think the old diesels could pass
> me.
>
> It's really a clutchless manual transmission much of the time. I'm hoping
> the Subaru engine will change that to some degree.
>
> Stuart
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> JRodgers
> Sent: Tuesday, June 24, 2014 10:05 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: On the Road Again
>
> I got a '91 Carat that had been stored in a garage for about 10 years.
> This - I stored it for about 5 years. Yesterday - as owner - I drove it on
> the  highway for the first time ever and it handled and drove oh-so-sweet!!
>
> However - needless to say there are things to be done after siting for near
> 15 years.
>
> I was told the transmission was bad, from the get-go so I moved it to Jim's
> VW in Leeds, Alabama for a tranny rebuild and some cleanup on the engine.
> Jim cleaned it up - got the engine running, rebuilt the front brakes, turned
> the rotors, and replaced the front wheel bearings. I had him replace all the
> fuel hoses while he was in there. He test drove it - then called me to come
> and get it. Said there was nothing wrong with the automatic transmission
> except it needed servicing - which he did. I was prepared for the worst -
> but that saved me a bunch of money!
>
> Kudos to Jim Connel at Jim's VW in Leeds, AL.
>
> I drove the van home, and the list making began. Things that needed doing.
>
> Wiper arms missing - Replace (get from Jim's - which I did) New Wiper blades
> New Gas Cap Tail Lights/Brake Lights stay on all the time Passenger Door all
> apart.
> Passenger electric window inoperative
> Passenger electric door lock in operative.
> Passenger door panel missing
> Brake pedal a bit soft - needs checking out Brake pedal goes pretty low -
> needs checking out Front blower inoperative
>
> I'm sure the list will get longer - but these things are where I will start.
>
> In addition - I have headlight relays and an a hard start relay that is
> waiting and ready to be installed.
>
> While at Jims - I scored a passenger door panel that is a perfect match for
> the drivers side door panel. And - a pair of round headlight mounts
> - to be used when I install the new SA Grille.
>
> I'm pretty excited about this one. Never driven an auto-tranny Vanagon - so
> if any one has any commentary in that regard it would be most appreciated.
> You know, what to expect, how the van will perform, things to watdh out for,
> improvements, etc.
>
> And any other comments would also be appreciated.
>
> It's begins!!!
>
> The labor and the fun of it all!
>
> John
>
>