Date: Fri, 6 Jun 2003 16:03:53 -0500
Reply-To: mostd@JUNO.COM
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: David Most <mostd@JUNO.COM>
Subject: UPDATE - Re: urgent "shifting problem" -problem WORSE
Content-Type: text/plain
Today I tried driving for a few minutes, and I was able to shift (though
it felt a little rough gettting into any gear). Then, all of a sudden, I
heard a "thwap" sound, and I couldn't get into any gear. With the engine
OFF, I was able to put it into 1st, start the engine, and hobble home in
1st. If I take it out of gear now with the engine on, it's almost
impossible to get it back into any gear.
AND (I think this is important), depressing the clutch pedal doesn't seem
to take the transmission out of gear (this happens in 1st and reverse).
So, I'm now officially stuck. Given the new symptoms, I'm guessing that
there's some list wisdom as to what the problems might be. Any ideas out
there?
Thanks to all who replied to my first request for help, and I'd
appreciate any additional ideas and especially guidance on how to
proceed.
David
____________________________________________
>
> David Most wrote:
> >
> >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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