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Date:         Sun, 27 Apr 1997 12:52:23 -0400 (EDT)
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         JCSYNCRO@aol.com
Subject:      Re: Intermitent loss of 1st/rev during long trips.. me too!

Had a similar problem with my 87 Syncro... Only it was mainly between 3rd and 4th (if you don't count compound low as first gear). It was after a 180 mile trip and showed up as I tried to downshift. Then it was almost impossible to shift to third and then fourth.

I limped home and took it 25 more miles to my mechanic friend. We messed around with it awhile and it got better just by shifting back and forth. On the way back home, it cleared up completely. However, we checked with a local guy who builds VW Transmissions for national distribution and he said the problem will probably come back, and if it does, it could be in the form of a locked trans. He claims there is a part ( I think he said something like a sleeve ) that has been known to crack and jamb the shifting like that and then the crack closes up for awhile and shifting is fine until the time that the part finally breaks.

I'm currently in Thailand, but I'm taking no chances.... While away, I'm having the tranny rebuilt. I've had broken and locked trannies in my older air cooled busses before, and I don't think I want to see what it's like in a Syncro.

I suggest you get it fixed or get more info from others on the list. I'd like to hear if anyone knows more about this type of problem.

Good Luck Curt Long (Usually in Maple Valley, WA USA) 87 Syncro Westy 71 Custom Camper 87 Acura Legend


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