Sounds to me that the direct clutch pack is slipping. Either due to wear or
low hydraulic pressure. Any way, this repair should only require soft parts
replacement. A competent transmission shop should be able to do the whole
job for about $1000 including rebuilt torque converter and replacing the
final drive seals.

Dennis

----- Original Message -----
From: Paul Borghese <PAUL98@PRODIGY.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, November 24, 1999 7:05 PM
Subject: Transmission Problems - 85 Vanagon Automatic

> I have a 1985 Automatic Vanagon that seem to be having some transmission
> problems.  When driving at high speed (50+ mph) the van has a tendency to
> slowly start to rev higher.  Similar to as if it was a manual transmission
> and someone was lightly stepping on the clutch.  When I release and
reapply
> the gas the engine will work correct.  Also if I release the gas while
going
> downhill, when I step-on the gas the van will first act as if it was in
> neutral reving to the red-line - then grab on the second attempt.
>
> I took the advice of some of the fokes on the list and changed the
> transmission fluid and cleaned the transmission filter.  I also checked
the
> final-drive oil and added about a 1/4 quart.  But the symptoms till
persist.
>
> One final item.  When I check the transmission fluid it reads 1 quart
high!
> Even though I added exactly  3.2 quarts as specified in the manual.  This
> has always been the case with this van - the Transmission Oil always reads
> high?  Clue?  I am checking on a flat surface engine idling in neutral.
>
> So what do you think?  Need replacing?  I called  one place and the
> transmission was $1800 dollars (ouch!).  Any ideas on where to get a new
> transmission (new or used?)
>
> Thanks for your help!
>
> Paul Borghese
> paul98@prodigy.net