You have an internal pressure problem. A Trans shop should be able to drop
the valve body and "air test" the clutch pistons. If you fix it before
burning up the clutch plates it should be a fairly low cost job. Due to the
performance problem when the Trans is not slipping, I would change the
torque converter also as it may have a bad stator clutch. This will cause
poor acceleration and hill climbing as the torque converter can no longer
multiply the torque. All automatic parts are available through the
transmission shop suppliers.

Dennis

----- Original Message -----
From: Paul Borghese <vanagon@GROUPSTUDY.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, September 06, 1999 8:18 PM
Subject: Do I need a new Transmission?

> Hi,
>
> I have a 1985 Automatic Transmission Vanagon.  This thing has NO power!
> Even a moderately sized hill will force the van to slow considerably.  I
> have always assumed it was an engine tune-up problem.  But a funny thing
has
> been happing over the past few days.
>
> If I am driving down a hill and release the gas for a second or so, then
> re-apply the gas,  the van will rev well into the red.  Exactly as if it
was
> in neutral.  After releasing the gas for a second time, the transmission
> will "catch" and drive correct.  It is almost as if the VAN is going into
> neutral whenever the gas is released and takes a few seconds to reengage.
>
> So what is happening?  Do I need a new Transmission?  Any suggestions on
> where to purchase a new transmission?
>
> Thanks for your help,
>
> Paul Borghese