Hole in Transmission? Gear Carrier

[colins84]

Hey, Quick question. 1985 Westfalia. 1.9L, 091 Tranny.

I am in the middle of replacing my clutch. Noticed this small hole in the Gear Carrier on the transmission. There has been a small amount of gear oil coming out of this hole. I stuck a small flat head screw driver in there, and it is about a half an inch deep.

Any thoughts as to whether this hole should or should not be leaking?
What is this hole for?

Arrow points to the hole.

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1985 Vanagon Westfalia (Subaru EJ25 w/ Peloquin)
1986 Vanagon GL (2.2L)

[crazyvwvanman]

It is a breather vent hole so when the tranny gets hot and the gear oil expands it has somewhere to relieve the pressure instead of forcing it out the seals.

Lots of badly leaking trannys are because that vent gets blocked solid. Then the seals leak and replacing the seals won't stop it unless to unblock the vent too.

Mark

[colins84]

So does this mean that it is okay if it is dripping a bit?
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1985 Vanagon Westfalia (Subaru EJ25 w/ Peloquin)
1986 Vanagon GL (2.2L)

[Phishman068]

Yep.
That's a vent.
It will weep if you tilted the trans. No big deal.

Nice, clean, transmission!
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http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=559766&highlight=winter+rust
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482402&highlight=sunroof+syncro
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=569774
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6864936#6864936

"Along with the ability to go fast, one looses the desire to hurry."

[Wildthings]

Install a small nipple into the hole and run a hose to a higher location if you want. This reduces the chance of the vent getting clogged by crap that collects on the top of the box.