I'm not that tranny-knowledgeable, BUT...

In my 83 Westy I got the same problem after a sloppy engine in-and-out,
during which the tranny was allowed to pivot downward without the shifting
linkage pin removed.  With this pin (stud with two nuts that anchors the
linkage rod) slightly bent, 1st and 3rd would not stay completely engaged
properly.  (I assume that was the problem, as straightening it helped -
again, I am unfamiliar with what might cause this INSIDE the tranny...)

Sean

on 12/12/02 10:46 AM,  Sean Garrett at SEAN.GARRETT@ASU.EDU wrote:

> Over the last 2 months my 81 has been popping out of 1st gear. I engage it
> at a light from full stop (and it feels like it goes in) then start off
> letting out the clutch and it "pops" out of gear. This morning the same
> behavior migrated to the 3rd gear also. While driving (shifting from second
> to third) it "pops" out of 3rd gear after it feels like it goes into gear.
> Happens when the engine is hot or cold. Only 5000 miles on a new clutch.
> Slave and master are new like the clutch. Vacuum (power assist) cylinder is
> old. Reservoir is full. No sign of any leaks. Fluid in tranny is new like
> clutch.
> Please chime in with your opinions !
> Sean Garrett
> 1981 Westy (his)
> 1995 Eurovan Camper (hers)
> Soon... 1987 Syncro project
> sean.garrett@asu.edu