The ring and pinion is not turning with the van sitting still and the
transmission in neural, so you can't make that assessment.
The input shaft does turn though, with the clutch up in neutral and the van
not moving.
So that would be point toward serious internal transmission damage.  

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
VW Doka
Sent: Thursday, December 13, 2007 8:02 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: AMC Cylinder Head Question

Sounds like you sheared some teeth off the R&P.

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
Of David Kao
Sent: Thursday, December 13, 2007 7:37 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: AMC Cylinder Head Question

Mark, the transmission will make noise even in neutral if I try to let
go the clutch pedal. I think it is not the CV joints. A broken clutch?
I can depress the clutch, start the engine and shift. But as soon as
I try to release the pedal (even in neutral) it makes the clunking
noise. I wonder if it is the clutch because I only need to let go about
half way of the pedal to hear thew noise.

David

--- Mark Drillock <mdrillock@COX.NET> wrote:

> When something like this happens, it is very often a CV axle problem and
> not a problem with the tranny. Sometimes the bolts work loose and after
> only one or 2 are left they snap. Have someone put it in gear and let
> the clutch out while holding down the brake pedal. Then you get down and
> look closely at the tranny side flanges, one at a time. If you see
> ANYTHING moving it likely means a CV or axle problem.
>
> Mark
>
> David Kao wrote:
>
> > I did not mention, my 84 Vanagon broke its transmission last week.
> > I heard a loud snap from the rear, like breaking an axle and I lost
> > power to move forward. It was in first gear trying to move into another
> > street on a right turn. I can still shift back and forth to every gear
> > including reverse. But As soon as I try to let go the clutch pedal I
> > can hear noise from the transmission. So the transmission is toast.
> > I have one used cheap spare that I can replace. But once the engine
> > and the transmission is dropped I have a decision to make between a
> > real quality rebuild or a cheap one by myself. .............
>

____________________________________________________________________________
________
Looking for last minute shopping deals?
Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.
http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping