Paul, when my westy started getting tight I removed =
the front
shift linkage rod and discovered the bushings on the two front forks(the =
end
that fits into the junction box) were broken off leaving only the bear =
metal
which is square with sharp edges. Couldn't find replacement =
bushings but
found a good used rod for $15can. Installed new rod and adjusted =
it and
it's been great ever since.
I'm not sure if this is what is wrong with yours but =
it's
something to look for . I found the best way to adjust the shift =
linkage,
which is all you may need , is to have a friend under the van and you at =
the
helm. put the tranny in neutral and have your partner loosen =
the
clamp holding the front shift rod, now position the shifter to center =
and have
him tighten the clamp. Shift through all gears including reverse =
and see
if they operate smoothly. If it is sticky getting it into =
first,
loosen the clamp and position the shifter slightly to your right, =
tighten
and try all gears again . Repeat till it's just the way you like =
it.
If third and fourth start to get tough you've gone to far, =
back off a
bit to your left. Also a good idea to mark how far into the clamp the =
shift rod
went before you start messing around, just in case you move it so you =
don't have
to make that adjustment if you don't have to .Jim
----- Original Message -----
Sent: April 26, 1999 11:46 =
AM
Subject: Shifting problem with =
88 Westy
(standard)
I've been away =
from the list
for quite awhile. Good to be back.
My standard transmission 88 Westy has developed a nagging =
problem.
Shifting from Neutral to first has become next to impossible. =
I
always have to go to second and then up to first. Even at a =
standstill.
I've greased =
the junction
box near the spare tire which seemed to help a little but not enough =
for my
wife to say the problem has stopped. Shifting to other gears is =
not
impeded in either direction (except for getting into first).
Any thoughts... =
Thanks.
Paul Dierze
88 =
Westfalia
Massachusetts