T25 1986 automatic gearbox problem

[Dueller]

Have a look at my threads if you haven't already documenting my autobox journey

Loved my auto but 3x gearboxes later I changed the van to a manual

Original sounded like a jet turbine as the diff whined so badly, replacement box was £800 and it lasted a while then went Porsche 924 2.5, also didn't last long.

Did an Audi gearbox flip 6 speed but didnt work out, so manual conversion was the way forward, cost nearly £1000 and again I've documented it on here.

My advice, free as it is, go manual and don't look back, seriously look at the hassle your having and think about the future should another problem come up with the box and have you actually met anyone who is in the scene that will touch them? None of the top guys do them so that should tell you something.

Mechanics are trained to attempt anything that comes through the door as that's how they make money, and to be fair most cars are fundamentally the same but no one has seen a VW autobox for 30 years much less worked on one regularly. So they say yes then research it, that's the Internet for you.

No one can repair these in the UK, guys in the states won't ship parts and even then its about £600 just for the auto box, look on The Samba for Vanagon Autobox posts and you'll see what your up against technically, logically simple with a small screw and 2x circlip rings holding it all together but when the seals go it's no good.

Go manual, it's only nuts and bolts

[R0B]

You are wrong. I have had mine rebuilt here in the UK. And this fella has rebuild a fair few. And some parts were imported from his contact the USA.

[cobblers]

Just as risky buying a used manual gearbox as an auto, they're all 40 years old and made of chocolate and misery. Sure enough a few more people will rebuild the manual boxes, but the autos are not a "special" thing, really. Most of it is the same as fitted to most VW/Audi cars around the time so parts are quite available (but mostly from USA which is going to get a bit more tricky)

The chance of getting an unfamiliar mechanic to even consider an auto-manual conversion is pretty slim and the labour costs would be very significant if you're paying someone £80-100 ph. Not to mention trying to source all the parts in good working order, eg not the usual worn out and knackered gear linkages and driveshafts. Doesn't the dashboard have to come out to swap the pedal box as well?! Significant chance of the van ending up stuck in the corner of the yard for months and months waiting on some part or another.

And (it's just my opinion, man) but these vans are a lot better with an auto box (other than fuel consumption)

[Dueller]

You are wrong. I have had mine rebuilt here in the UK. And this fella has rebuild a fair few. And some parts were imported from his contact the USA.

Damn wish I'd thought to ask you who you used Rob

[Dueller]

Just as risky buying a used manual gearbox as an auto, they're all 40 years old and made of chocolate and misery. Sure enough a few more people will rebuild the manual boxes, but the autos are not a "special" thing, really. Most of it is the same as fitted to most VW/Audi cars around the time so parts are quite available (but mostly from USA which is going to get a bit more tricky)

The chance of getting an unfamiliar mechanic to even consider an auto-manual conversion is pretty slim and the labour costs would be very significant if you're paying someone £80-100 ph. Not to mention trying to source all the parts in good working order, eg not the usual worn out and knackered gear linkages and driveshafts. Doesn't the dashboard have to come out to swap the pedal box as well?! Significant chance of the van ending up stuck in the corner of the yard for months and months waiting on some part or another.

And (it's just my opinion, man) but these vans are a lot better with an auto box (other than fuel consumption)

Dash out is dead easy, I've done a couple now, pedals slide out and new set in, don't even have to disconnect the brake master cylinder, just lift it off the servo

Gather the parts then do the swap over, it's just nuts and bolts

At least you can find someone to rebuild a manual box, I bought the tech book on the auto to help me through it but parts availability was the main issue, it literally falls together

Agree on the auto, my auto van was like a huge speedy go-cart hence my attempts to stay auto

[timscarth]

You are wrong. I have had mine rebuilt here in the UK. And this fella has rebuild a fair few. And some parts were imported from his contact the USA.

Please can you let me know the name of the company / chap who did the rebuild?
 

[LittleNik]

Sorry for the radio silence and thanks for the replies. All very interesting . So today the van had full diagnostics at NW Transmissions. This is what they've said... The van has a cracked bell housing and needs the gearbox torque convertor replacing along with the flexplate.
They've said if we source parts they can do the work for £1000 (estimate) but can't guarantee the job.
Any suggestions? What would you do?
Thanks, as always

[maxstu]

It really is a case of how long is a piece of string.
To me it's a no brainer. Pay up and get camping this summer.
If you have, a picture of the cracked bell housing helps? Whereabouts is the crack Aand how do they intend to repair the it?
I have a flexplate l was keeping as a spare. But if needed willing to sell.
The torque converter can be sourced. Unless the internal drive teeth are damaged, might the original be refurbished?
Make sure you retain both parts.

[LittleNik]

Thanks, that's so helpful and nice to hear something positive! Will find out about a photo etc.

[LittleNik]

So, think we've found someone with a suitable gearbox that has all the bits we need, according to the diagnostics. Is there anything we need to check to make sure it's the correct gearbox for our van? A code or serial number? The van it has come from is a 2.1 automatic, as is ours. Does that automatically mean it will be the correct box? The van it's come from is 3 years younger than our van but it's done about 8000 more miles and had issues with corrosion (when we've checked on the MOT history, no mention of the gearbox in this history though and the recent MOT has only just run out). It was apparently driving fine recently, smooth changes and no noises. Any questions we should ask before we buy it? Would you go ahead in our boat?!
Thanks

[maxstu]

So, think we've found someone with a suitable gearbox that has all the bits we need, according to the diagnostics. Is there anything we need to check to make sure it's the correct gearbox for our van? A code or serial number? The van it has come from is a 2.1 automatic, as is ours. Does that automatically mean it will be the correct box? The van it's come from is 3 years younger than our van but it's done about 8000 more miles and had issues with corrosion (when we've checked on the MOT history, no mention of the gearbox in this history though and the recent MOT has only just run out). It was apparently driving fine recently, smooth changes and no noises. Any questions we should ask before we buy it? Would you go ahead in our boat?!
Thanks

Would still like to see photos of original case.

MOT has nothing to do with transmission and will not record condition. Are you talking with current owner or others, such as scrap dealer or garage?
Ideally you will want it in a vehicle you can test drive checking it is smooth through gear changes and reverse. So this will be a big gamble.
If test drive not possible be wary. So be firm but fair with the money if you decide to make an offer. Without test drive l wouldnt expect to pay more than £500-600 for complete tranny and differential. If it is a company or garage will they offer a few months warranty? Worth asking.
NJ code is the one you require for a DJ2.1. Or NK for 2.1 MV SS. It is stamped on underside of case next to the diff drain pan, near side.
I would personally go and see condition of diff cases and make sure no large cracks around bottom mounting lugs. One either side. They seem to take the strain when engine is removed.
Check colour of transmission fluid via the yellow topped stick (as l suggested to you many posts ago, showing your original tranny ATF). It should be rose wine colour and clean. Diff oil should be clean. If neither oils are present then walk away.
Check the vents are not clogged with a build up of case dirt and oil. Or lots of oil stains/leaks around where the driveshafts bolt to diff.
Ask seller for loads of photos if not able to personally visit.

Get a Bentley, or at least a Haynes manual.

[LittleNik]

Thanks so much, you've been a huge help right through. It's currently in the van but will be removed by the mechanic who is the parts dealer, he bought the van and drove it for a while until the MOT ran out. Says it's changing through the gears smoothly. He's sent a photo of the van but I'm going to ask for photos and information on all the things you've mentioned. He's asking £750 all in. Wish we could go and see/collect but it's too far away from us so he'll send on a pallet if we go for it.

I should really have thought about the MOT question before I asked you, of course our van recently passed it's MOT right before all this hassle!

Is it possible to see the casing on the videos I posted of our van?

[maxstu]

The price is almost ballpark in my opinion.
Whereabouts is transmission? And who is the dealer?
Other forum users reading may well have positive feedback about the individual.
I do recall videos but not showing damage to differential casing. However that is immaterial to you if you buy from this one dealer.
I am after a diff casing. Any code as long as it is auto. So there may be some recouped funds coming your way if the damage is not excessive and you sell old one to me.

[maxstu]

Can l take a guess and say the transmission is in Essex?