You need to adjust eh linkage to compensate for worn bushings. Try
looseing the shift rod bracket on the transmission, push towards the
tranny and retighten. Often this will provide enough adjustment to get
the 1st gear gate lined up. If not, then you have to loosen and turn the
shift rod at the front coupling.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of -- Dan Roberts
Sent: Thursday, April 01, 2004 8:56 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: shifting problem with 89 Westy 4 speed

I recently returned from a 4,100 mile trip from Wisconsin to, and
through,
much of the Appalachian Mountains. It was a great trip and my Westy ran
well
except that downshifting became increasingly difficult after driving for
a few
hours. I would reach a stop sign and found that shifting into first was
very
difficult. The gearshift felt like it was hitting an obstruction. I
could resolve
the problem by shifting into reverse or second, engaging the clutch only
slightly and then moving the gearshift into the firstgear position.

This usually worked although a few angry drivers behind me might
disagree. I
talked to a mechanic today who suggested greasing the linkage points.
However,
I crawled under the van and found these points seemed to be well-greased
and
I could easily move the gear shaft. I will give the linkage points some
grease
tomorrow but ask for your comments.

By the way, thanks to those who provided some excellent and intelligent
comments a couple weeks ago regarding my question about oil usage. I
have switched
to Mobil 15 - 50 as a result of those comments. Oil usage remains the
same so
far, I qt per 1,400 miles,but I feel better.   :)

Again, I ask for your comments about this shifting problem. Thank you

Dan Roberts
89 Westy manual 4 speed