Hi all. This is for a Jetta engine powered 1981. I modified (cut and
shortened linkage) and installed a WBX shift linkage and transaxle some
thousands of miles ago. Transmission still worked but had stuck in 4th
several times including twice while in US.

Apologies for a long post.

Got rebuilt transaxle and new Sachs clutch kit installed. Have put 130
miles on. Mechanics note: 2nd was hard to find. Eg did not line up with 1st
gear. I found same and at times, it wouldn't go into 2nd from 3rd without
effort or at all. With previous transaxle, shift feel was not great but
gear pattern was normal. Am on a road trip and not up to taking things
apart so adjusted linkage at plate below shift lever. This improved
shifting somewhat but a few times shifting into 1st would not engage gear
all the way. It would "buzz" and pop out. This happened 2 times but I now
know to push shifter past what feels like a slight notch. It's weird
though. Sitting in bus here typing this email and shifter now feels much
better engine off. It didn't this morning, engine off.

Is the lower plate adjustment at shift lever meant for fine tuning linkage
adjustment in the event that shift linkage parts have worn?

Is it possible that shifting has improved due to parts in transaxle getting
better oiled over last 100 miles?

Mechanic also noted presence of brake fluid at clutch slave boot but later
said this May be due to previous work. (Bleeding). I do have to wonder if
slave cylinder isn't starting to fail. Sadly, left my new slave in other
vanagon.... In vancouver.

What I don't know is If a worn or slightly out of adjustment linkage is
doing any harm to the rebuilt transaxle. Anyone know?

Neil currently in Olympia WA.

--
Neil n

Blog: tubaneil.blogspot.ca

'88 Westy http://tinyurl.com/c8rlw6p

'81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"  http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/

Vanagon VAG *Gas* inline-VR Engine Swap Group:

http://tinyurl.com/d7gd5ej