I have the same deal -- suddenly hard to get into first gear, shifts fine everywhere else. Should I continue to use the vehicle until it "goes" or should I get it repaired soon? How long can this condition last until it dies? Another 1000mi? Another 10,000mi? Another 50,000mi?

MJS

At 01:04 AM 8/13/98 EDT, Todd Hill wrote:

>Eric S. wrote:

>

><<<<  Im having a hard time getting my 87 syncro

>westie into and sometimes out of  1st gear, and

>sometimes out of third gear.  Most times it shifts

>great.  Question..is this a function of the clutch

>or do I need to start saving for a  tranny rebuild. ?

> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

>

>Hard to say long distance but I do not think that

>it is your clutch assy.  It sounds like it might be

>the beginning stages of the cracking of the gear

>hubs.  Normally only the 3rd/4th hub cracks but

>I do see cracking of the 1st/2nd hub from time

>to time as well.  Also, the pin retainer for 1st/2nd

>can stretch and shear which can make those

>gears difficult/impossible to engage.

>

>Start saving your money.

>

>Todd Hill

>VolksWerks Transaxles

>OIympia, WA

>

<bold>Michael J. Sullivan

</bold><italic>Director of Catalog Design

Open Market, Inc.

</italic>

'87 GL Syncro Westfalia

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