Ken,
    Sorry, again. But this is out in out BAD ADVICE! Vanagon trans.
are when known to have weak reverse gearing. In the Syncro you are
likely to even blow a BIG hole right in the side of the case! I would
never try this in reverse. This is transmission suiside.
        NEVER PUSH START YOUR VANAGON IN REVERSE!

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

On Wed, 16 Jun 1999 KENWILFY@AOL.COM wrote:

> While test driving a customer's '85 manual Vanagon this week I discovered an
> easy way to roll start the van.  The battery I put in for test purposes
> turned out to not hold a charge (enough to just turn the starter over a half
> a crank, but not to start).  So I was parked on a 15-20 deg grade in my
> driveway and had an idea.  Why not push in the clutch and take off the brake
> and roll start the van in reverse?  Tried it and it works great.  Turn the
> ignition on, allow the van to roll back about 6 feet and pop the clutch (she
> started right up everytime).  Just wanted to let you folks know in case you
> had to do an emergency start with a bad battery or you are having the
> notorious starter solenoid problems.
> Also if you are push starting the van moving forward I always use 3rd gear
> since the gear ratios allow the van to push start easier.
> Just FYI.
> Ken Wilford
> Van-Again
> John 3:16
>