TRansmission

[mitch]

Hey all, I'm the new owner of an "87" Auto-Cabro....I got a leak in the trans & I wanna chg over to synthetic. Several shops told me, see the dealer. Another stated thy only use VW brand fluid. Is the VW trans that specialized ? Also constant manifolid oil leak, not bad but noticable. Just about all electonics r dead. Cruise cntrl, radio, window washer...basically it jst runs. I'm basic like that. Thanks 4 any tips or suggestions.

[Calimus]

Hrm, I dunno about the older auto-trans's but the newer ones certainly like the VW stuff only. I'm sure the older one's can manage normal auto-trans fluid, but I wouldn't switch to Synth till you repair all the leaks. Synth, while having better viscocity and such is thinner then the normal stuff and will find it's way to leaks a bit better.

Electronics are a bit more fun, check the fuses, check the wiring. There a big mess behind the dash to play in if you feel adventurous. Vac leaks are a big deal as well, so if you can, replace all the vac hoses.

[sixsracing]

Manifolds don't leak oil. Exhaust manifolds leak exhaust out. Intake manifolds leak atmosphere in. If oil is actually coming out of a manifold then you may have a serious problem.

The electrical problems should probably be approached from the fuse/relay box first. If the car leaks when it rains then the fusebox becomes a funnel. Rust and corrosion result. The grounds for a lot of the accessories are also in the same general area, check those also.

[CalAltaDubber]

Hey all, I'm the new owner of an "87" Auto-Cabro....I got a leak in the trans & I wanna chg over to synthetic. Several shops told me, see the dealer. Another stated thy only use VW brand fluid. Is the VW trans that specialized ? Also constant manifolid oil leak, not bad but noticable. Just about all electonics r dead. Cruise cntrl, radio, window washer...basically it jst runs. I'm basic like that. Thanks 4 any tips or suggestions.

Hi Mitch, and welcome to TRF.

I'm an electronics guy, so I'll leave the mechaical stuff to Six and Calimus.

The first thing to do is get a set of schematics for the car. If you don't mind spending the money, the Bently manual is best.

The nice thing about VW diagrams is that they break the whole thing down to simple circuit tracks. the 12 V source is at the top and Ground at the bottom.

As it has already been suggested, check around the fuse box first. (MK Is are nutorious for leaking windshields that allow water to cause corrosion in the area of the fuse box).

Then just start chasing each circuit one at a time untill they are fixed.

By the way congrats on the '87. Same year as mine.

[mitch]

Thanks for all the helpful tips, folks

[CalAltaDubber]

Let us know how you make out with all these things.

[luisin3460]

Hello:

I would like to know if some one could tell me where I go for auto transmission parts, I am rebuilding my wife 1987 Cabriolet, I rebuild the trans on my 1992 Cabriolet, but I can not find the thrust washers and needle bearings for the 010 trans. Can some one tell me of a place where to buy the thrust washers and needle bearings Kit for this trans.

Luis

[Briano1234]

http://www.transtar1.com/

Some things can be gotten at Napa.

But I got a new pump and seal kit from my local transtar dealer.