Tim: Sounds like third gear synco, acts like third gear synco, must be third
gear synco....sorry I've been there, done that....1000 miles from home in out 86
GL.

New/used tranny next stop...

Lee...

> Hi Folks, I think I have a problem.
>
> Patient: 83.5 Vanagon. 145k miles, 20 k miles on a rebuilt motor.
> Symptoms: Very difficult -- just shy of impossible -- to get into 3rd and
> fourth gear.
>
> Treatment thus far: I assumed I had a linkage problem, so I replace some
> bushing and assorted pins (at tranny end) and re-adjusted. Got first,
> second, and third working like butter (at least by hand when under the van).
> Couldn't get it into fourth at all. Road tested. Could no longer get it into
> third, but first and second (and reverse still fine). Found I could "force"
> (as in slam) the lever into 3rd and fourth(!), but then it didn't want to
> come out so well.
>
> I've thought about replacing the clutch slave cylinder, but it's been done
> in the past 20k miles, besides, last time that went, it was obvious
> (wouldn't go into _any_ gear and there was fluid all over). I figure I'll
> bleed it, but I'm not holding out.
>
> Any additional treatment? BTW, this is on a medicare budget. I'm planning to
> put the van up for sale, so I don't really want to drop a new tranny in it
> first.
>
> Thanks much
>
> Tim
>
> Seattle, WA
> 83 Vanagon
> 89 200 Quattro
> Westy to come....

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