Date:         Sat, 3 Apr 1999 10:07:41 +0000
Reply-To:     "A. Kimmons" <akimmons@PDQ.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "A. Kimmons" <akimmons@PDQ.NET>
Subject:      Re: Speaking of transmissions adjustment...
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; x-mac-type="54455854";
              x-mac-creator="4D4F5353"

Update on the trans linkage adjustment on the 87GL.
Finished cleaning and installing new bushings on the linkage. All parts removed, cleaned,
re-greased. Adjusted the 1234R spots thanks to my good buddies on the list. (THANKS!).
Shifting into gear is very smooth and way better than it used to be.
One problem...
I'm getting a 'flicker' of the reverse lights every so often when I'm driving at night.
This will vary as to which gear shift causes it. Sometimes it's shifting into 1st, sometimes
4th, etc...Is it that I still don't have it adjusted right or is something else causing this???

Thanks again folks!
Tony

Randy Bergum wrote:

> Yeah I have ideas........  The band clamp is a lousy design from our point, it's hard to
> adjust in the microscopic ranges needed.  I have put visegrips on both shafts, then turned
> them slowly.  If you are selecting first gear, but getting third gear, then the front shaft
> needs to be turned counterclockwise as viewed from the front of the van (with the rear shaft
> remaining fixed).  Don't think that the band clamp needs to be totally loose, try different
> ranges with the vise grips installed.
> Hope this helps.........
>         Randy
>
> A. Kimmons wrote:
>
> > Speaking of transmissions adjustment...
> > I just replaced all the bushings and boots on my 87GL  shift linkage.
> > I am confused as to how to adjust. Thought I followed the Bentley instructions right,
> > but now (although the shifting is really smooth!) I can only get it into 3 and 4 gear.
> > It will shift into the 1 and 2 positions, but it is engaging 3 and 4.
> > Found it hard to adjust the "band clamp" connection. Should I really open this up until
> > it fits loose? I can't seem to get it to fit back on as far as it was...Any ideas on
> > this?
> > Thanks!
> > Tony
> > -------------------------
> >
> > Randy Bergum wrote:
> >
> > > Hi Vern:
> > >     My '90 van used to buzz too.  There are at least two ways of buzzing:  Rattling
> > > linkage from engine vibrations, and a poorly adjusted linkage that causes pressure on
> > > the transmission shift forks while in gear.
> > >
> > >     The first problem happens if there is a lot of wear on the bushings and U-joint.
> > > I think that the shift linkage transmits vibrations from the engine, and may resonate
> > > itself.  Check that all bushings for the shifter are not worn excessively, then grease
> > > them with moly grease.  If you use a needle attachment on the grease gun, just pull
> > > the boots and shields back and inject a fair amount of lube, mostly filling the boot.
> > > The buzz should go away and the action will smooth out considerably.  These bushings
> > > really do need grease about every 20k, same as filter changes.
> > >     The second problem happens when the shifter is not adjusted right.  At the
> > > connection with the band clamp, you can twist the shafts to align the transmission
> > > with the front gate box under the stickshift in front.  If this is not done right,
> > > pressure is applied to the shift forks, and they make a slight grinding noise.  You
> > > can check this out easily by trying each gear one at a time:  Drive in first gear,
> > > then push the stick down as if you were going to go into first - don't put the knob
> > > into the neutral gate.  Carefully and slowly push the stick sideways in each
> > > direction, and listen if the transmission noises go away on one side, or get louder on
> > > the other.  If so, you will need to rotate the joint a little to align it.
> > >     Hope this helps......
> > >         Randy Bergum.
> > >
> > > are forced to
> > >
> > > Vernon Craddock wrote:
> > >
> > > > Hello all,
> > > >         Last Thursday, I changed my transmission fluid to Redline MT90.  I noticed
> > > > an immediate improvement in shifting.  Then, Friday I had a 2 hour road
> > > > trip.  At one stop, the transmission repeatedly ground trying to get into
> > > > reverse.  I tried it three times, each time, it ground then went into gear.
> > > >  I was concerned, but it has not repeated since.  More concerning, I now
> > > > notice that First and Second gears, a buzzing sound comes from the stick
> > > > shift.  The sound goes away if I pull stick towards the steering wheel.
> > > >  First buzzes intermittently, Second buzzes whenever under load.  Arghhh!!!
> > > > What have I done?
> > > >
> > > > Do I need to adjust the linkage?
> > > > Adjust the plate at the base of the shifter?
> > > > Why would changing the fluid cause this to appear?
> > > >
> > > > Thanks,
> > > > Vernon
> > > > '90 Standard Vanagon