Date:         Thu, 5 Jun 2003 19:42:24 -0700
Reply-To:     Jeffrey Schwaia <jeff@TSSGI.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jeffrey Schwaia <jeff@TSSGI.COM>
Subject:      Re: urgent "shifting problem" - need advice
Comments: To: mostd@JUNO.COM
In-Reply-To:  <20030605.210631.-166151.0.mostd@juno.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

David,

Sounds like you need to adjust the linkage.  If you're having problems
putting it into 1st and 2nd with the engine off, this means that something's
not lining up.  The quickest and easiest way is to get someone to sit in the
driver's seat and check the shifting while you adjust the shift linkage at
the tranny.

Good Luck,

Jeff


-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM]On Behalf
Of David Most
Sent: Thursday, June 05, 2003 7:06 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: urgent "shifting problem" - need advice


My '87 is having a gear shifting problem, and as it's my only vehicle, I
could use some help.  I'll describe the situation briefly, but please ask
me any questions that might help in determining how to proceed.

Here's the problem:
I'm having difficulty shifting into gear, particularly into 1st or 2nd.
Sometimes the problem is beyond difficult in that I can't shift out of
neutral at all.  TODAY is the first day that I've had such trouble, but I
think the problem may be serious as I wasn't sure if I'd make it home.
While parked with the engine off, the shifter just doesn't feel smooth or
easy.  At the last red traffic light before arriving home, I had to put
it in 3rd to get going.  It just wouldn't go into any other gear.  I'm
afraid to go anywhere at this point.

Related matters:
The clutch was replaced about 14k ago, but for the last few months, I've
heard a slight gurgling noise with the clutch pedal depressed while not
moving.  The suspicion has been one a bad bearing associated with the
clutch.  The operation of the clutch and transmission have been fine
otherwise.  The vanagon was sitting for the last two weeks without any
use.

Question:

What steps can I take to diagnose and/or possibly correct the problem
(even without diagnosis)?  I'm in New Orleans right now, and I have yet
to find a mechanic here who knows anything about vanagons.  So, I'd like
to do as much as I can myself.

Thank you all for your help.

David

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