Hi Ken -- This is the long way round, huh?  (Ken lives about 10
blocks away...).

When I put the engine/trans back in my van after the rebuild, I
had everything nice and clean, and had a hell of a time getting
the linkage adjusted just right.  Finally got it, but now, 2 years
later, it's as if something has turned, and I can't easily get over
to first.  Second is no problem though.  My take is that I just
need to re-adjust the linkage, maybe it slipped a bit?

Who knows if that has anything to do with your problem...

        Gary

On Sat, 21 Mar 1998, Kw wrote:
> Greetings  all,
> I have an 82 vanagon which is not shifting well.  When I stop at a light
> I have trouble finding first gear.  The archives point to the linkage
> and mention replacing all the bushings at the shifter and the
> transmission.  The dealer said he thinks it is the tranny.  The rear
> portion of the linkage to the transmission is 140 bucks.  The other
> piece by the transmission is another 40.  I'll try cleaning and
> re-greasing first.
>
> Anyone experience this problem.  Will removing, cleaning and lubrication
> fix it?  I also read in the archives to grease the bushings where the
> linkage crosses through the frame. The center linkage joint is above the
> gas tank which Bentley says to grease.  The shifter bushings could also
> be a factor.  At this time I plan to remove it all and clean and grease
> all joints.
>
> Any insight or ideas are greatly appreciated.
> Ken Wyatt
> 82 westy
>

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Gary Shea                                       shea@xmission.com
Salt Lake City                      http://www.xmission.com/~shea