Evidently the car just hasn't been driven or started for several years (I haven't seen it myself, don't think it was a trans problem). Thanks for the inputs- Rick, see you have a diesel Rabbit, I had an '80 2-door it was great (42/55) with clouds of smoke, got scammed by the dealer on undercoating so Hawaii's salty air killed it... Think I'll check this donor car out and mobilize by good buddy to help ... thanks again to all