Sounds like the linkage is out of whack - if he loosened the spline clamp at
the rear of the fuel tank, he may not have tightened it up and it has slipped.
Also check at the transmission end of the linkage for loose bolts. Having the
shaft out by one or two teeth on the spline can cause 1st & R to be
unreachable...

On 7 May 2006 at 17:35, Cronin, Paul <PCronin@ANTIGENICS.COM> wrote:

> I bought an 88 Wolfsburg a couple weeks ago, but have only driven it home from
> the seller.  The PO had just replaced (literally it had not been driven more
> than a few miles with a relacement used (good) tranny.  It was done by the PO,
> who admitted when I ground the gears that he wasn't sure if he adjusted it
> correctly.  He also told me to chnage the tranny fluid as he hadn't done it when
> he changed it over for whatever reason.  I had a hard time getting it into
> reverse and first on the trip home.  I was going to bring it to a local mechanic
> who supposedly works on vanagons (Lein's Auto in Somerville, MA) the other day,
> but I couldn't get it into reverse or first at all.  I hadn't driven it since
> bringing it home a couple weeks ago, so I'm not sure what changed.
>
> I'm concerned as to whether the tranny was good or if its a simple adjustment
> needed.  Anyone with more knowledge than I have any thoughts?
>
> Anyone can recommend a good mechanic in the greater boston area?
>
> thanks as always,
> paul
>

Shawn Wright
http://members.shaw.ca/vwdiesels
'88 Westy 1.6TD 5 speed
'82 Diesel Westy 1.6NA
'85 Jetta Diesel 1.6NA