Assuming that the clutch is in fact working correctly and there is no
problem with any other gear, you probably have the dreaded cracked 3-4
slider hub.  You are looking at a Trans job.  If the clutch was binding or a
bad pilot bearing was causing the main shaft to get hung up, the problem
would be in all gears.  Reverse would be particularly difficult to engage.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Don Erbel <Dherbel@AOL.COM>
To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM <Vanagon@VANAGON.COM>
Date: Sunday, August 30, 1998 8:04 PM
Subject: 90 Vanagon trans 3rd gear grinding

>My 1990 Multivan Vanagon grinds when shifting into 3rd gear.
>It will grind when it is warmed up and has been driven on the
>highway for a bit.  It does not happen every time.  The problem
>turned up this summer when I drove it up from sea level to
>abotu 5-7000 feet, but it persists still at sea level (if this has
>anything to do with it starting off suddenly).  I have about 88lk
>on the Vanagon and it has been well taken care of.
>
>One suggestion I had and tried was to bleed the clutch
>to expel the air in the line.  I tried this but it still grinds.
>
>Anyone else having a problem of this sort?  Or better
>yet suggestions on the cause?
>
>Thanks in advance for whatever help you might supply!
>
>Don Erbel
>dherbel@aol.com