I finally got around to checking the ATF level in the 1988 GL.  This van had
been sitting for 3-4 months for an unrelated issue.  The ATF level with the
engine running, trans in Park, level ground, trans up to temp is at the
twist in the dipstick, which according to the manual is far too high.  The
fluid is red in color, and doesn't appear to be contaminated with gear oil,
water or anything.

I am planning on changing the fluid in the transaxle, including the final
drive and switching them over to synthetic at the end of the month (money
issue).  The plan also calls for pulling the pan on the transaxle and
cleaning it and replacing the strainer.  I am thinking that the PO had
overfilled the transaxle, as there was no owners manual with it, and he may
have believed that the twist was the "Full" mark.

Is there anything else that would cause a high level?  It was my
understanding that a leak between the transaxle and the final drive pushed
ATF into the final drive, since the final drive oil is not under pressure
like the transaxle is.  Can I just drain the excess fluid out and run it
that way, or should I drain all of the fluid and change it to regular ATF
for now, and switch to synthetic at the end of the month?  What are the
downsides of having the transaxle too full?

I gots lots of questions, and few answers...

Don in Reidsville, NC
1987 Vanagon GL Syncro (Suzie)
1988 Vanagon GL (Sylvia)