87 2WD - Issues with Automatic

[pburkeame]

I noticed my van’s RPM higher than it should at cruise so I pulled over and had a look. The fluid was a bit low, but nothing abnormal. Reverse failed on me next so I limped it home and checked the linkages with again nothing was out to lunch. I then dropped the pan and filter and I noticed this. I’m sure it won’t be buffing out. Any thoughts?

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1987 Vanagon Syncro, Manual
1987 Vanagon 2WD, Automatic
1986 DOKA Syncro, Manual

[MarkWard]

Probably beyond ATF magic. There are a few threads where members have documented their DIY rebuilds. That with a Bentley you’d be good. Otherwise there are a few reputable rebuilders, but buy the entire transaxle, not just an automatic section and a torque converter. You might get away, but if there is a warranty claim, there could be a lot of finger pointing. Automatics are a pleasure to drive.

[Silverghost500]

That's a lot of friction material off either the clutch packs or brake band. Either way you're looking at a rebuild. There may be a good bit of that material in other areas of the transmission, like the valve body. A good deep cleaning of internal components, inspection, and replacement parts.

It can be done at home if you have the space and want to learn. Djkeev and Kourt are some folks who have extensive threads here on the forum about rebuilding them.

You could also as MarkWard mentioned go with a rebuild company. You can either have yours rebuilt or buy one of their rebuilt units and send yours in as a core.
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1986 Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia "Von Westy"
Honda K24A conversion
3-Speed Automatic

Von Westy YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbhyZYxJEQrUuLnMbLleeIA

[pburkeame]

Ya, I found a significant deposit on the valve assembly. I better start sourcing some parts. MarkWard, how did you mean autos are a pleasure to drive? Thanks.
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1987 Vanagon Syncro, Manual
1987 Vanagon 2WD, Automatic
1986 DOKA Syncro, Manual

[MarkWard]

You set it in Drive and forget about it. That and power steering and you have a modern day vehicle. From a dead stop, they accelerate pretty smoothly. I don't own an automatic but have driven quite a few over the years. Just my takeaway impression.

[Shonandb]

[pburkeame]

That’s what I was hoping you’d say Mark.
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1987 Vanagon Syncro, Manual
1987 Vanagon 2WD, Automatic
1986 DOKA Syncro, Manual

[pburkeame]

So I bought a rebuild kit minus the pistons and rebuilt the auto transmission myself. After installation and a test run, I noticed reverse kind of spongy and it doesn’t want to shift into a higher gear past 50 km. It looks like I’ll have to yard that thing out again rebuild it again this time with pistons. That is unless someone has a suggestion as to something simple I may have done wrong. Thanks in advance.
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1987 Vanagon Syncro, Manual
1987 Vanagon 2WD, Automatic
1986 DOKA Syncro, Manual

[jlrftype7]

[MarkWard]

The apply pistons were as important to the overhaul as the steels and fibers. Even back in the day, the OE kits did not include them. Earlier VW automatics used aluminum structures with O rings. Easier to reseal. The factory manual has a table for pressure testing and diagnosis. Good news you are already experienced. You will get a better result. Member Alika sells valve body plates that I’d suggest replacing yours if you did not. Sorry it has to come back apart.

[skills@eurocarsplus]

i will never understand why people will go so deep into something and not go all the way.

it makes my eyes bleed
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[wesitarz]

Victoria Transmission rebuilt mine in 2000 when I bought my 88 without 3rd gear. A year or two later they replaced the final drive when it seized due to oil loss. A year later I put a 2002 Subaru 2.5L in it and it was a pleasure to drive. Still going strong with the new owner for the past two years.

[pburkeame]

To rectify the problems after the rebuild I ordered the 3 pistons then rebuilt the transmission again. So far everything works fine. All 3 gears work like they should.
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1987 Vanagon Syncro, Manual
1987 Vanagon 2WD, Automatic
1986 DOKA Syncro, Manual

[MarkWard]

A result. Congrats and thanks for the update.