Clive, et al...Most likely the 3rd/4th "slider" hub has cracked and is
out of position starting a chain of events such as the 4th gear grindng
into the gear carrier housing and jamming or breaking a synchro and
causing the mainshaft to have too much endplay and trying to move against
another gear so name a few. The mainshaft bearing is directly behind 4th
gear so it collect the crud and goes bad quickly. The slider being out of
position puts the other shiftforks in a bind and can cause 1/2 to hang
up.
 My advice is do not drive it.
It will just cause you to spend more $$ when you have it rebuilt and will
leave you stranded as a sudden failure is usually the next step.
$1795 is my cost for a rebuild with a 3 yr warranty ((required
advertising content))

Daryl of AA Transaxle
Duvall, WA. (Seattle area)
(425) 788-4070
1-877-377-0773 (toll free)
aatransaxle.com (web site)

From:    Clive Smith <clive.harman-smith@NTLWORLD.COM>
Subject: Syncro Gearbox synchromesh

Tell me please anyone - is 3rd gear the synchromesh that usually packs =
up?

Symptons:
Initially, gearlever started to feel a bit strange, sort of wobbles as I
=
push into 1st or reverse, as if the clutch is dragging (it isn't)
A funny noise (plenty noises to start with) developed, like a light =
mushing waterfall noise, even in neutral idling.
Later, can't get into 3rd without changing at exactly the right revs or =
double-de-clutching.
4th gear starts to feel a bit strange on the lever, doesn't jump out but
=
lever makes me think it wants to .
All the time, the swishing noise (like someone dropping a long light =
chain) gets more persistent and slightly louder.

All comments appreciated, inclusing the extent of damage being done by =
any further driving.