So how standard is the transmission work?  Can any competent transmission
shop do the work or do I need to find one that specializes in VW Vanagon
Transmissions?

Thanks,

Paul Borghese

Dennis Haynes wrote in message
<010201bf37a2$ded083a0$96dd153f@MSNdhaynes57>...
>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
>---