Start with checking the shifter and ball socket assembly. The shifter
falling will cause those symptoms.

For the leak, clean things up and look for it. Oil from one spot can blow
all over and many single point leaks can be fixed with the engine in
place. Flywheel seal is fixed by pulling the tranny. Rear seal, oil pump,
valve covers, and oil cooler seal are done with engine in place.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
John Rodgers
Sent: Monday, October 01, 2007 3:45 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Symptoms - Manual Tranny

The tranny in my 88 GL is beginning to behave funny. Hard to get into
first at times - like I can't find the slot to shove the stick forward.
Also, I now have to be very careful of the thing dropping over through
the slot for reverse - like the stick goes way to the left - even if you
just breath on it. I'm afraid of getting it into reverse instead of
first or second when it's still rolling forward. Spooky. That would
really tear up something.

Any ideas as to what is beginning to happen?

Also - getting a lot of oil on the front and rear of the engine. Seals?
I guess the fix requires pulling the engine - yes?

Thanks,

John Rodgers
88 GL driver