In a message dated 6/16/99 11:29:21 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
dhaynes57@email.msn.com writes:

<< Don't ever try this on a Syncro will break the Low gear housing.  I have a
 few examples here if you do not believe.   The creeper low will cause the
 same damage.  I've been told that you can here the "snap" and then see the
 puddle of gear oil on the ground after this attempt.  Also not a good idea
 on any vehicle due to the gear ratios involved.  2nd and 3rd gears are the
 appropriate gears for push starting. >>

Well, I guess now I know and knowing is half the battle.  I usually push
start forward in 3rd but I just thought the reverse starting worked good so I
would share it with the list.  I had never heard of any problems with the
reverse gear before so I just didn't know.  For the record I was doing this
in a 2wd Vanagon.
Ken Wilford
Van-Again
John 3:16