Auto Transmission to Standard

[jeffmcdonald]

Can you switch a 1969 automatic transmission vw to a standard transmission??

[Loner]

So long as we're talking about an autostick tranny (not a squareback full auto). Yes you can - pull out the autostick tranny, bolt in the standard tranny. If in a car, only mod is that you'll need to add a clutch cable and pedal assembly. Pedal assembly will bolt in, and the tube is already in place for the clutch cable (fish in from front to rear, sometimes a bit stubborn but should slip in with some coaxing).

Why? Bad tranny? If for a trike, the autostick should make you happy. But what you want is up to you.

Have fun. And all advice is money-back guaranteed.

[vwmaniac]

You can install a 4 speed into a full automatic torsion, but you will need to make a hanger for it[support] and it will work just fine.
CW

[jeffmcdonald]

I just bought a 1600 vw trike w/auto trans. The owner said the front seal may be leaking because it was losing fluid. I kind of like the auto because it is very easy to drive for my significant other but I have had a heck of a time trying to figure out the fluid level. Cold, I have filled it to the top bar on the dip stick, when I get back from a short ride (15 miles), put it in neutral and check, no reading. When I add fluid, it leaks out where the dip stick tube enters the pan. And, I cannot find anybody to work on the automatic transmission in this area (AR). Sooo, can anyone tell me what the fluid levels should be and how to check it?? If it becomes too much of a problem I am looking at buying a irs with standard and putting it in.

PS: This is a fully auto 3 speed.

[Gorilla]

I just bought a 1600 vw trike w/auto trans. The owner said the front seal may be leaking because it was losing fluid. I kind of like the auto because it is very easy to drive for my significant other but I have had a heck of a time trying to figure out the fluid level. Cold, I have filled it to the top bar on the dip stick, when I get back from a short ride (15 miles), put it in neutral and check, no reading. When I add fluid, it leaks out where the dip stick tube enters the pan. And, I cannot find anybody to work on the automatic transmission in this area (AR). Sooo, can anyone tell me what the fluid levels should be and how to check it?? If it becomes too much of a problem I am looking at buying a irs with standard and putting it in.

PS: This is a fully auto 3 speed.

After it is done leaking out what does it read on the stick hot in neutral on level ground? Then what does it read cold?

[jeffmcdonald]

Here is the last sequence; drained out until level was at the upper mark on stick. Took ride, parked, put in neutral and measured, little dab at the bottom of the stick. Just measured again, cold. Little dab at the end of the stick. Is there anyway that the engine could be sucking fluid up and burning it?? There is a sediment bowl/check valve between the modulator and vacuum source. I was told that if there was a bad modulator it could cause the fluid to bleed to the engine via vacuum line. I replaced the modulator valve and it appears I am getting more fluid in the bowl. Sooo, back to this morning, I have lost fluid from the top line to the bottom of the stick. And this engine smokes like a steam engine. Especially when it is hot. Also, it smokes a bunch when you let off of the gas. I am assuming I will be redoing/replacing the engine soon. So if I have to replace the engine, I might as well think about doing the whole thing if I can't cure the tranny problem. Thanks so much for your replies.

Jeff

[vwmaniac]

Are you leaking any fluid on the ground? The modular valve is only to make it shift, works off vaccum off the engine intake system.
Also , you might want to check the oil in the gearbox, the trannie fluid maybe going into it, maybe a bad seal, there is a inspection plug on the side of the trannie on the gearbox.
If you remove the plug and the oil is reeddish in color and full, then you have bad seal and will need to be replaced, sounds like the only place for it to go.
Good luck in your find.

[vwmaniac]

Say Jeffmcdonald,
you ever get your trannie figured out as to where the fluid was going, just curious?

[ea81slush]

I'm no expert but it seems most unusual to me that the level changes. You say the engine smokes a lot. likely it is sucking auto fluid. My auto has to be filled just over full which is common for it to perform perfect. If it is at the top mark (neutral and level ground and hot) then riding uphill in first can cause a moment of no gears before it re-engages.

Also bare in mind the auto fluid also fills the torque converter. If the converter seal is worn you'll leak it from that area. Below is a pic of the seal when I renewed it when converting the subaru engine. I've never taken the auto out of my trike but have been told that the rear seal to the transaxle commonly leks and it is now common practice to insert two seals there to stop this occuring.

Finally I've found that when renewing the pan gasket even when using good heat sealant it will leak until it is tighten up more and more. Now mine doesnt leak at all.

As for changing to a manual gearbox. I wouldnt be without my auto trans. Leaves the hands on the bars and cruises great. BUT! kickdown adjustments must be correct for the trans to be enjoyable. A small screw nside that modulator where the tube goes in can be adjusted to suit. the other bolt on top of the trans is best left alone. Finding an expert here in oz to service and work on mine is not easy.