Thanks Dennis.  I have replaced the main seal before and changed the fluids but never done a complete overhaul.  340k km so it doesn’t owe me anything.
Jeff

> On May 18, 2022, at 9:58 PM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com> wrote:
> 
> The only reason the valve body would need a cleaning is if the fluid became really bad and turning to varnish or the trans has disintegrating parts including the clutch loings that are getting past the filter screen and jamming up the works. 
> 
> Poor shifting during certain times such as when cold is due to insufficient pressure being available for valve body to work and the clutches to engage. This is usually caused by a combination of a blocked inlet screen and failing clutch pistons. 
> 
> It is easy enough to service the fluid and filter. Some wear particles are normal. If the screen is loaded with fibrous particles that is a sign the clutch packs are failing. The servicing may get things working again for some time. At some point an overhaul wil be needed. 
> 
> Dennis
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com> On Behalf Of Jeff Palmer
> Sent: Wednesday, May 18, 2022 10:06 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Lousy automatic shifting
> 
> On another note, from what I can tell by reading the archives, the valve body in my 85 automatic needs a cleaning.  I am experiencing hard shifting when cold.  I think it just needs to be cleaned out?
> 
> Does cleaning the valve body require dropping the transmission??
> 
> Thanks in advance
> Jeff
> 85 Westfalia GL
> Winnipeg