Hi Brian,

  I got the same problem, but instead of the 3rd gear it WAS the 2nd.  I changed the dino transmission oil for a German synthetic one (very expensive $25.00 CA for 1 liter), so it cost me $140.00 CA to change my transmission oil and I also put 6 onces of Bi-Tron 2-4-6 in the trans.  I can't tell you if it is the oil or the Bi-Tron additive but I got very good result.  My trans is stil not like a new but a lot better.  Another thing to get the shift better is to double clutch between the 2nd and 3rd, It is a pain but less than a $3 000 transmission.

  Hope this will help you.  Good luck.

  Gilles Gallant
  1990 Westfalia
  Montreal, Quebecv
>>> Karl Mullendore <thewestyman@MINDSPRING.COM> 17/05/99 22h42 >>>
Sounds like a worn syncronizer ring on 3rd gear. In a Vanagon that is the
most often used gear. Could also possibly be a cracked 3rd-4th hub, or the
beginnings of.

Karl

----- Original Message -----
From: Brian Cirulnick <techrat@VM.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, May 17, 1999 4:39 PM
Subject: 85GL grinds going into 3rd Gear

> At first, I thought it was me, but apparently nothing I do solves this, so
I
> was wondering what the thoughts are here....
>
> I have an 85GL 4 speed - everything runs fine, the vehicle is mechanically
in
> decent shape (engine in good shape), and it has a brand new clutch.
However,
> the machine consistently makes a tiny grinding noise when I shift from 2nd
> into 3rd (no other gears affected, doesn't grind going out of third).
>
> I've noticed that if I really stand on the clutch and sorta "finesse" it
into
> 3rd slowly, no noise. But in day to day driving, I don't have that luxury
of
> being able to do that - and so, I've been hearing that grind sound, and
it's
> got me concerned. Just to be clear - it goes into 3rd without a problem
and
> third runs smoothly, but when I do the shift itself, I hear a noise.
>
> Is this is tiny problem with a simple fix or is a new tranny in my future?
>
> Thanks!
> Brian Cirulnick
> techrat@vm.com
>
>
>
>
> --
>
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