Mark Schrope wrote:
>
> Hi everybody-
>
> I'm in Idaho Falls on my way to Florida from California.  I'm afraid the
> manual transmission on my 89 Wolfsburg may be on its way out.
>
> Though it comes and goes, it's getting hard to put the van in gear.
> Sometimes I have to force it a little bit, especially in reverse.  However,
> so far I can always get it into gear and I haven't felt anything funny
> while I'm driving.  I was hoping that I just had a leak, but I checked the
> fluid and it is fine.
>
> I'm wondering if anybody has any advice or experience with this sort of
> thing.  How long does it take typically before I am completely dead in the
> water?  Is there something I can do to nurse the transmission so that it
> will last longer?
>
> I have about 140,000 miles on the van, so I know it's due for a new
> transmission.  I'm just hoping I can make it another 2700 miles before I
> have to deal with it.  Is this realistic?
>
> If the transmission is going, will pushing it make the repair more
> expensive in the long run?
>
> One final question.  If I get stuck in some small town trying to deal with
> it, what should I expect to pay?  Is this something I can trust to a
> regular transmission shop, or should I hold out for somebody with Vanagon
> experience?
>
> Alternatively, does anybody know how to stretch one tank of gas 2700 miles
> so that I can just get it into fourth and keep going?
>
> Thanks for any help.  I'm off the list right now, so please reply pmail.
>
> Mark Schrope
>
> ========================
> Mark Schrope
> 831-458-9363 (Home)
> 831-459-5139 (Office)
> 513 Koshland Way
> Santa Cruz, CA 95064
> mschrope@nasw.org
> ========================

Mark, My name is John and it could be a clutch issue as easily as a
transmission problem.

        Does the clutch pedal have all the resistance it always had ?

        How much free play does the clutch have ?

        With the engine off, can you engage all gears ?

        How far off the floor does the clutch rise before the van               moves ?

        Has any repair shop ever mentioned the term "pilot bearing" ?

                JP