Date: Sat, 31 Aug 2002 03:49:11 -0600
Reply-To: Ben McCafferty <ben@KBMC.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Ben McCafferty <ben@KBMC.NET>
Subject: Re: manual tranny fluid change
In-Reply-To: <B0127141385@corinth.bossig.com>
Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
I would think you could use either Redline recommendation from the syncro
site for a 2WD as well. The MTL is a 75W80 GL-4 whereas the MT90 is a 75W90
GL-4. The general consensus is that the MTL is better for colder climates.
Since both are GL-4 oils, they meet the needs of the vanagon tranny (GL-5 is
said to have a higher sulfur content, which eats up the brass synchronizers
more readily, though this point is debated).
To me, Redline is like MAGIC. I couldn't believe the tranny was the same
one I had started with, and it had just been rebuilt before I switched the
fluid to Redline. It costs about $8/qt., and is well worth every penny. No
more sluggish shifting in cold temps, no more grinding into second gear if
you don't hesitate just the right amount. There are guys on the list who
can tell you all about the molecular reasons for this, i.e. sheer,
compression, etc. I just know it works. Seriously amazing stuff.
A 17mm allen bit is what's needed for the drain and fill plugs. I got mine
from VolksCafe, but I suppose you could hand over your firstborn to the
SnapOn guy as well. As someone pointed out yesterday, be sure you can
remove the fill plug before you remove the drain plug, so you don't end up
with an empty tranny and no way to refill it. You will probably have to
concoct a somewhat crazy hose setup to refill the tranny, but it's not that
bad. I find a pump to be really useful (you can get them at the same place
as the Redline).
Best,
bmc :)
"Faith will move mountains, but you'd better bring a shovel...."
> From: patrice b <prb@TELEVAR.COM>
> Reply-To: patrice b <prb@TELEVAR.COM>
> Date: Sat, 31 Aug 2002 00:03:56 -0700
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: manual tranny fluid change
>
> I'm interested in this thread, as well. The synchro recommendations for
> Redline -- how should I interpret this for an '85/2WD ?
>
> Also, what tools are needed to do the MT oil change? A 17mm allen? or
> something between a 16mm and 17mm and that's why Simon is shaving off bits?
> or something 'other' (like a special Deutches KanOpenerTool? ;-) ...and if
> 'other' where do you get this thing or approximate it?
>
> --Patrice
> 85 GL "VanaBlue" (who has never had a tranny oil change, as far as I can
> tell from PO records.)
>
| 
