Transmission (automatic) leak... Sometimes

[minah]

Hi all, I'm new to posting but I have been here a while reading all the great tid bits of information thesamba has to offer.

I think I have a good one for you guys to puzzle over. I own a 91 vanagon with an auto transmission. Ever since I've owned it it has this sudden and dramatic tranny fluid loss that only happens when it's really warm and only while driving for a longer period of time (20 miles or more). I'll just be driving along and suddenly I have a smoke screen behind the van and it will then just stop. It will leak so much that the bumper and sometimes the window will have oil specks on it. I thought at first that the tranny cooler was leaking so I had that replaced with the gowesty cooler. I doesn't drive any differently when it leaks or make any noises either. And like I said only when it's warm outside. I drove this from Colorado springs to Wichita KS and back in the winter without a single drop.

I've looked all over the transmission looking for the source but have only really found a seeping governor cap. And that doesn't leak enough to produce a drop on the garage floor.

So any ideas of what on the transmission could suddenly leak at high temps then stop would be greatly appreciated! I'm pulling my hair out right now.

Thanks in advance,
Minah
_________________
'91 Westy - 'Galaxy'
'74 Super Beetle - 'Bee'
'78 Beetle Champagne II - 'Komet' - Killed by hail storm Summer 2020 RIP

[dhaavers]

FWIW: check the tranny case vent/breather...???

- Dave
_________________
86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS>

[minah]

Yes I've checked those. Both are there and dry.
It seems like it's coming from the front of the transmission by the mount. The lines for the tranny cooler are there but if it was those why would it only leak sometimes?
_________________
'91 Westy - 'Galaxy'
'74 Super Beetle - 'Bee'
'78 Beetle Champagne II - 'Komet' - Killed by hail storm Summer 2020 RIP

[?Waldo?]

I think the concern is less that the breather would leak and more that it might be plugged causing pressure to build up in the trans and oil to blow through a seal when hot and pressurized.

[Tobias Duncan]

EDIT:
having problems with reading comprehension today , please disregard this post.

[minah]

Okay so I know about the 2 breather holes on the transfer case. Do those release pressure for the transmission as well? Or is there another breather that I haven't found yet? I'll check those breathers thought. Camping right now so don't have many tools with me.
_________________
'91 Westy - 'Galaxy'
'74 Super Beetle - 'Bee'
'78 Beetle Champagne II - 'Komet' - Killed by hail storm Summer 2020 RIP

[dhaavers]

Check it: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=344159

- Dave
_________________
86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS>

[kamzcab86]

[minah]

So the top breather on the diff section is for the tranny section. What is a good method of making sure it's clear? Just stick something thin in there like a paperclip? Or would it be better to purge it out with wd40?
_________________
'91 Westy - 'Galaxy'
'74 Super Beetle - 'Bee'
'78 Beetle Champagne II - 'Komet' - Killed by hail storm Summer 2020 RIP

[minah]

Those other threads we're helpful but I'm still not sure how to deal with the little cap on the breather. Do I just pry it off and press it back on when I'm done? When I have the cap off is there a screen that will keep the gunk from entering the transmission?

If I bust the little cap does anyone know if a suitable replacement? I've searched several sites and have not found anything.

Thanks for everyone's help!
Minah
_________________
'91 Westy - 'Galaxy'
'74 Super Beetle - 'Bee'
'78 Beetle Champagne II - 'Komet' - Killed by hail storm Summer 2020 RIP