Date:         Sat, 23 May 1998 08:59:58 -0700
Reply-To:     Kw <kokopellis@ATT.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Kw <kokopellis@ATT.NET>
Subject:      Re: Securing the guide pin (shifter linkage)
Comments: To: Tom Young <young@SHERLOCK.SIMS.BERKELEY.EDU>
Comments: cc: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Howdy all,

Tom Young Wrote:
Got exactly one response to my request for help in securing the guide
pin against the transmission; I suspect that reflects the fact that
maybe 1 in 1,000 van owners ever mess with this thing.
---------------------------
Make that 2:1000.  I recently re-worked my linkage on the 82 when I had
trouble getting into first gear. It shifts quite nicely now.  Today the
Van gets new Tranny oil.

Tom Sez:
The problem with this theoretical solution is that the rubber boot (if
you have one) so thoroughly covers the guide pin that there's no way in
the world you're going to get a wrench on the "nut" without tearing the
boot apart.
-----------------------
Cut the tie and the boot will move or tear the rubber boot off and
replace it.  Mine was torn and mostly missing allowing dirt to get in
and making shifting difficult.  The boot was all of $8 bucks at the
dealer and they actually had it in stock.  Once the boot is off you will
have easy access to the second nut.  You can also grease it all up while
you are there.   My pin was slightly curved, which the dealer parts guy
thought I should replace  Price about $45 (obsurd)  I kept my old one
and used lots of grease and all is well.

Tom:
(Practical solution) I pushed the rubber boot back far enough that I
could grab the guide pin with my vice grips.  Since the relay lever
rides on the guide ring and can't see that this procedure could damage
anything.
--------------
Probably won't hurt anything.  My guide rings had slipped off its seat
allowing a lot of play in the lilnkage, hence no first gear.
Ken Wyatt
82 Westy