My suggestion would be to talk to Ken at German Transaxle. They rebuilt my automatic (89 Van) and it’s doing great. Their number is 541-382-7723. They may have a unit on the shelf if yours needs replacing/rebuilding. Good luck

Dan
Country Homes Camper, the Huckleberry Sky

> On May 22, 2018, at 7:27 PM, Ray Brubaker <rayandmerle@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> 
> Hello, Although I have followed this group by digest for decades I have
> hardly ever posted, one reason, I'm a slow typist and after having to use a
> computer most of my day I don't feel like writing much in the evening.
> Thanks to the list for all the good info over the years. Maybe a short
> introduction is in order. I bought my first Vanagon in '93, an '86 Syncro
> tin top, converted to TDI power in 2001, making it a great van, and lost it
> to an electrical fire in '08, the starter stuck on (salvaged the engine and
> entire syncro system for possible reuse, still pending). Since about '10 I
> have had a '89 Blue Star auto. I'm an aircraft mechanic by trade and manage
> the piston engine overhaul shop at my job.
> 
> I have been into most major components on a Vanagon except the engine and
> auto trans thus my questions. The trans works normally until it is hot,
> then it doesn't want to shift into high even at partial power unless I let
> off the power then it will shift and stay in high and pull normally. Also
> when shifting into reverse it may not shift unless I increase engine speed
> a little and then it drops in hard. It seems to me like an oil pressure
> problem. The Bentley manual isn't very helpful in troubleshooting this. I
> changed the fluid and filter about 25K ago. the fluid is clean with no
> burnt smell. Is there any adjustment for this? Is this a sign of imminent
> failure? My daughter, son-in-law, and four kids want to use the van for a
> 3k to4k trip starting in mid June, can I trust it? I have considered adding
> a Lucas autotrans additive but wanted the lists opinion first.
> 
> Also the diff output flanges are loose, they will move in and out and
> sideways a noticeable amount, enough to make the seals leak even after they
> were changed a while ago. I have had the pan off and changed the oil, no
> metal in the oil. The looseness is not in the big bearings supporting the
> gear carrier. When I changed the seals, the center bolt holding the flange
> was not loose and was properly torqued when reinstalled. This has been this
> way a long time and other then having to add oil occasionally it functions
> normally. Is there a bushing inside the gear carrier that is worn, I don't
> see one in the parts break-out? Is it likely to become a problem in the
> near future or will it go 1000s of miles yet?
> 
> Any advise would be appreciated,
> 
> Ray Brubaker