Check that the linkage is okay, but these often fail after 25+ years because the seal separating the diff from the tranny goes and the fluids mix, taking out the transmission.  Check the Bentley on the rebuild, but after you do, you probably won't want to touch it.  GT trannys run about $2k plus shipping both ways, and have a two year warranty.  Used trannys will be a crapshoot, so don't pay much for one if you go that route.

Stuart

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Richard Smith
Sent: Sunday, November 16, 2014 3:03 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: 87 Westy 2WD -- only reverse gear in automatic transmission works

My sense is that it requires special tools, but removing it from the van and bringing it to a shop that specializes in those would save you some cash.

Our ’85 Westy with AT was getting “iffy” a couple of years ago - shifted very late when it wasn’t warmed up. We took it to our experienced VW mechanic (he rebuilds one or two Westies every year) and even he chose to send the AT to a specialist. The guy did an excellent job and the transmission is smooth as silk now.

I think repairing an automatic transmission is not only something for someone with specialist tools but also someone with experience with the type and who has parts and a meticulous frame of mind.

…r
--
Richard Smith
Ph: +1 778 370 1012 t: @smith  e: smith@thecdm.ca w: http://thecdm.ca

On November 16, 2014 at 2:21:12 PM, Rick Cooper (rickdcooper@gmail.com<mailto:rickdcooper@gmail.com>) wrote:

Just bought an 1987 2WD Westy with a faulty automatic transmission. Fell in love with these things this past summer but could not afford a nice, clean one so I picked up this one last week instead. It's in lovely shape but only reverse gear works. There is no forward motion in any of 1, 2 or D, though with both rear wheels off the ground, they will spin slowly.
Based on the chart in the Bentley, looks like this could be the forward clutch, but I know darn little about these things.

Looks like I'm gonna have to fix this since my wife refuses to see the country backwards. Being the curious type, I'm wondering whether I dare try taking it apart myself. Anyone have experience with rebuilding these?
I've overhauled a couple of engines but never touched an AT. Does it require special tools? Also, is there a source for a rebuild kit -- can't see one on either the GoWesty or the Bus Depot sites.

Rick