Hi Mark.,
assuming you  information below applies to the Syncro...

is 'the clamp' you are talking about below the same as the one shown in the
upper right part of the diagram on page 34.20 of the bentley... the nut that
secures the clamp is labeled "25Nm (18 ft lb) ??????

also... is it possible to move it less than one spline??? though splined
connections only move one spline at a time?

Thanks
Bill

----- Original Message -----
From: "Mark Drillock" <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, December 06, 2000 6:14 PM
Subject: Re: Shifting Problem

> This problem is common as the Vanagons age. It can usually be "fixed" by
> a very small adjustment in the tranny linkage. Under the center of the
> Vanagon is a splined connection between the front and rear shift rods.
> Mark this union so you know how much you move it and so you can put it
> back where it was if needed. Loosen the clamp and rotate the shafts with
> respect to one another by a tiny amount, less than one spline. Tighten
> the clamp and test the shifting. If it is better, good going. If it is
> worse, loosen it again and move it the other direction. Do not move it
> very much or the tranny will not shift. Do not fail to mark the original
> position or you may have serious trouble getting it to work even as well
> as it did before you touched it. This minor readjustment can last years
> so it is worth trying before replacing any parts.
>
> Mark
>
> "Anderson,Chuck" wrote:
> >
> > I have recently started to have a problem shifting into first gear. It
> > occurs most often after I've backed out of parking space and try to
shift
> > into first. It's as though first gear isn't even there. It can also
happen
> > repeatedly when stopping at intersections. Sometimes it only happens
once a
> > day but, sometimes it can repeatedly on a given day. Then, it will shift
> > normally for days with no problems at all. Any ideas would be greatly
> > appreciated.
> > Thanks!
> > Chuck Anderson
> > '86 GL
>