This is an easy one. SOmething has broken off in the clutch
setup, like a spring or small metal part. The real fix is to
replace the clutch. On a limited buget you may try this: Remove
the starter and reconnect the starter wiring together in order
that you can kick start the Van, and drive it. If your lucky
the part that has broken and being thrown around by the
flywheel will find its way out the starter opening. This worked
for me on an old bug.

            Eric                   86-VW4x4
            vw4x4@fyi.net          72-240z
            Pittsburgh, PA USA     1936-Chrysler

On Mon, 18 Jan 1999, Michael Avrea wrote:

> Hi All,
>         I have an 82 diesel Westy which I got a few months ago. Engine is running
> good but I've had a lot of noise (rumbling like?) when I put the clutch in
> right from the start. When I let it out the noise would go away. Also have had
> trouble getting into reverse without grinding. Otherwise the clutch and
> shifting has been working well.
>         Suddenly today I starting getting a feeling that something was grabbing a
> little as I would come to a stop. Also several times I had trouble getting it
> to go in gear when I was going slow, and had the gears grind as I put it into
> fourth a few times. The clutch is not slipping though. Any ideas?? I am not a
> mechanic however I do have a decent number of tools and as money is tight I
> try to fix things myself if the repair is not to complex.
> Thanks so much for any help on this.
> Michael
>