Todd,

Since you can't drain the entire contents of the gearbox, wouldn't you
end up with a mix of ATF and synthetic gear oil? I suppose this is OK,
huh?

-MM

>From: Todd Hill <Jwilli941@AOL.COM>
>Reply-To: Jwilli941@AOL.COM
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Re: Manual Trans refill delimmas
>Date: Thu, 18 Mar 1999 02:52:38 EST
>
>  JiMelody@ZIANET.COM writes:
>
><<  is it o.k. to mix the two oils and if not, what are my  other
>     options. >>
>
>One of VW's finer engineering feats......  sure go ahead and mix
>the two.  Now if you're a real glutton for punishment what you
>could do is jack the Van up and drain the old oil.  Then refill with
>Automatic trans fluid and start the Van.   With the engine idling
>slip the trans into 3rd and slowly let out the clutch.  The usual
>warnings about vehicles with running engines and transaxles
>engaged apply here.  Be careful and pay attention!  With the
>ATF sloshing around it will clean out the insides probably as
>best possible w/o splitting the case halves.  Drain the ATF after
>10 minutes or so and then refill with your favorite brand of GL4
>synthetic gear oil.   The ATF is highly detergent and any dirt
>or other trans junk will remain suspended and will mix with
>the GL4.  If you're really paranoid about stuff floating about the
>transaxle's innards then, like shampoo, do the ATF splooge
>thing again.  After 20-30 minutes of sloshing around the insides
>of your gearbox will be as clean as you can get.  Then dump
>the ATF and refill with the GL4.   Since the trans is not under
>load but just 'spinning' the lightweight 10W ATF will provide
>enough lubrication properties to keep things from wearing while
>it cleans the internal surfaces.   As usual- YMMV!  At least
>this has worked for me when dealing with gearboxes that
>have sat for the last 10 years and the old oil is like tar!
>
>-Todd Hill
> VolksWerks Transaxles
> Olympia, WA
> 360-412-0948
>
>PS- I've heard of people using Diesel instead of ATF.  Personally,
>I can't stand the smell of Diesel so I go for the cheapest ATF I
>can find!  You ever get a whiff of 30 year old gear oil??  Yuck!

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