For the record, the PO of my 86 GL had the same problem, cost him $800
to have it fixed by VW and it's still a little stiff.

 
Hotch
hotch@netaxs.com

kdlewis@juno.com wrote:
> 
> When my 86 stuck in third gear it turned out to be a broken gear. If
> memory serves me it was the 3rd/4th sliding cog. Not a lot of fun to change but I did it my self (borrowed one tool from dealer).
> Good Luck
> Ken Lewis
> 86 crew cab
> 85 Gl
> 
> On Tue, 24 Jun 1997 22:25:41 -0500 Earl Smith <earlsmit@islandnet.com>
> writes:
> >Recently the third gear in the transmission of my 84 vanagon has
> >started
> >sticking.  It slides into gear OK although it doesn't feel as smooth
> >as the
> >other gears.  However, sometimes, at irregular intervals, it doesn't
> >want to
> >come out of gear and I have to fiddle with it in order to disengage.
> >
> >When the engine oil seal was changed in January, the mechanic said the
> >clutch was in good condition. None of the other gears are having a
> >problem
> >-----YET!
> >
> >Does anyone have any information on this?  Can you reply by email as I
> >am
> >off the newsgroup for about another month.
> >
> >