Date: Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:43:09 -0400
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: auto transmission slippage
In-Reply-To: <CAO1mO2FcE4AGavBx+YMZb+sbhOW--2xCV6rA3hRDXByPDOe+yA@mail.gmail.com>
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Older vehicles with low miles often turn out not to be the bargain
envisioned. Are you buying this from an individual or a dealer? Or a
curbstoner, (someone who buys and resells vehicles but is not a dealer)? If
not a dealer be sure the person you are buying it from has his/her name on
the title.
Get a full history report of this vehicle. All vehicles for sale have one
thing in common, they are no longer wanted buy their current and past
owners. Maybe this is for profit, changes in lifestyle or the vehicle has
issues. Vanagons especially Westy's were relatively expensive during that
time. 91s had lower prices than 87s. Most folks that bought a Vanagon
justified the cost to themselves expecting some level of economy and most
new Westy owners (including myself) justified the price as a single vehicle
for both the daily commute and traveling. I took delivery of my 87 Syncro
Westy February 1988 and reached 100,000 miles July 1993. In later years the
usage dropped as I acquired other cars, a second Vanagon, and then the motor
home thing. Most saw that type of usage. So either the mileage is not
correct, it only went to church on Sundays, or it spent a great deal of time
not running.
These automatic transmissions with proper care often go 150-200k miles.
However there are some parts that age regardless of miles. Slipping is often
the result of a blocked inlet screen or internal pressure leaks from failing
pistons or seal rings. Depending on your location and who you can get to
help figure $1,300 and up for tranny day.
Really have the engine checked out. Then the suspension and brakes. Keep in
mind that many things that look and work good now are going to change as you
put this vehicle to work. Many old hoses and bushings, mounts, etc are going
to crack as they get flexed. When was the heater cores and radiator changed?
What about the tires? Check for proper size and load rating, and then the
date. Recently worked with some bought a Westy from California and had it
shipped here (NY). Third day had a tire blow out. Spare was no good. A tow
and 5 tires later!
Welcome to the list and best of luck if you get this van.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Laura Olson
Sent: Thursday, April 19, 2012 12:29 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: auto transmission slippage
We are looking at an '86 Westy (with only 62,000 miles!) and almost
everything checks out. It is in great shape. Very excited to replace my
dead '82. The one thing we noticed was a blip of slippage on a steep uphill
at precisely 16 mph while it is in 2nd gear and you are not really
accelerating. Very specific. Also noticed it on one flat turn of a corner.
I searched the archives and found a couple of things to do-yes we checked
the ATF and it was perfect. But the owner is changing it today and dropping
the transmission and checking everything I printed out from this list and
one post from the Samba. Do you think this automatic transmission is on its
way out? And if so, how much should I expect to pay for a rebuilt
transmission? No, I can't do it myself.
Laura
