There is a plastic ball that fits into an aluminum cup on the side of the transmission. When the ball crumbles you get the symptoms you describe. 

Jim

> On Feb 26, 2016, at 11:10 PM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM> wrote:
> 
> Are you sure the clutch is releasing properly? 
> 
> Dennis
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of John Rodgers
> Sent: Friday, February 26, 2016 2:21 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Manual shifting very difficult.
> 
> Can't shift readily. Hangs in gear, can't shift, or can't get it in gear at
> all. Reverse is difficult -  often can't find   it.  Happens in reverse,
> Ist, 2nd and 4th gears.
> 
> Suggestions?
> 
> John.