Dan,

My '91 Syncro has a similar problem, although it gets worse when it is hot.
When cold, first is usually ok, sometimes need to select second then go back
to first.  When hot, however (after 60 or so miles) it can be impossible to
engage.  If on the flat, I start in second when this occurs, but uphill I
have to use "G" to get moving, then go 'round the corner to second.

My mechanic says that this is probably a worn synchro on first, causing a
misalignment of the shafts, and that we need to pull the box :-(  Ah well,
the Wasserboxer is leaking coolant (RHS head) and oil (case center seam -
ouch!) so looks like a lot of work coming up.....

Andrew

'91 Syncro 70K miles

----- Original Message -----
From: "Dan Barrett" <dan@OFFTHEHILL.ORG>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, May 03, 2002 3:23 PM
Subject: '90 GL tranny nastiness

> Peeps,
>         I have finally succeeded in purchasing the bus of my dreams (1990
> GL, Orly blue, with all the tasty options).  It's beautiful, and
> mechanically sound (thus far), but it has 156k on the clock so I know it's
> only a matter of time before Boston Bob's phone will ring.
>         Here's the problem: the tranny is hard to get into first, let's
> say six times out of ten.  It's weird/squishy -- not quite as
> disconcertingly stiff as as when my Miata's tranny wouldn't come out of
> reverse, but disturbing nonetheless.  Other than that, all's cool: it
> doesn't slip out of gears, doesn't whine, isn't hard to shift into any
> other gear.
>         So:
> 1) Does Mr. Pollard's diagnostic technique from earlier today apply?
> 2) Would you drive it four hrs each way to see your parents this weekend?
>
>
> Any advice appreciated!
> Best,
> d.
> 1990 GL "Mudskipper"
>
>