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Sat Jul 31, 2010 5:59 pm

So I researched my issue about not being able to get my buggy into gear. I went after work to try and make the recommended shift plate adjustment but this did not solve my issue. After trying to make some more adjustments I realized that it wasn't the shifter or plates that is my issue. I can find the gears just fine when the engine is off but as soon as I turn the engine over I can not get into any gears except 4th SOMETIMES. It is grinding when I try to put it into either 2nd or 4th which tells me that the clutch is still at least partially closed. I am sure that the clutch pedal and therefore cable is engaging because I spent a couple hours adjusting it. It now engages almost as soon as it is depressed. I am thinking that maybe I have the wrong throwout bearing on there??? Please help. Here are my parts btw. Diakin clutch Kennedy stage 1 pressure plate, 1915 engine if that maters at all

Sat Jul 31, 2010 6:53 pm

streetbuggy8804 wrote: It is grinding when I try to put it into either 2nd or 4th which tells me that the clutch is still at least partially closed. I am sure that the clutch pedal and therefore cable is engaging because I spent a couple hours adjusting it. It now engages almost as soon as it is depressed.

Normally clutches disengage when you depress the pedal, and engage when you release it.

There are 1 or 2(hundred) threads with pictures that show which is the correct throwout bearing for the the respective pressure plate. Here's one I was able to find with that "search" thing.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1...sure+plate

Sat Jul 31, 2010 7:06 pm

Let me clarify. My question is could my problem possibly be attributed to the wrong throw out bearing? I don't need to see posts with pictures, just need to rule things out and get feedback from people who had a similar situation that they managed to resolve. Thanks

Sat Jul 31, 2010 7:32 pm

Kennedy sells Stage 1 pressure plates for either early or late throw out bearings. If you're not sure you have the correct match, you need to check it anyway.

streetbuggy8804 wrote: I am sure that the clutch pedal and therefore cable is engaging because I spent a couple hours adjusting it. It now engages almost as soon as it is depressed.

Obviously not. Your clutch is failing to disengage because the throw out arm isn't moving far enough. You probably don't have the cable tight enough yet.

Sat Jul 31, 2010 7:37 pm

I had the same problem. I have an IRS with old style throw out bearing, no holes to put the sleave in it (do your research you will see) but had aftermarket hd lever in it.

1st. Kennedy clutch didn't have the ring on it. Replaced with one with ring.

2nd. reassembled and did same thing.... throw out bearing fell off.

3rd. reassembled with hd clips for old style bearing, still fell out.

4th. realized that holes in aftermarket hd arm were too close to bearing cups and would always fall out. no room to redrill.

5th. (time of taking engine out)!! put a factory old style arm in with hd clips. works like a dream.

hope this saves you at least 3 times of dropping the engine!!

Sat Jul 31, 2010 9:25 pm

So I looked at some build pics that I have and I definately have the late throw out bearing. The pressure plate I bought had the ring but it was removable and I removed it so now I know the parts are compatible, now I'm really lost. Any suggestions? I'm so close and really anxious to hit the road.

Sat Jul 31, 2010 9:49 pm

So you have the late throwout bearing that matches your pressure plate. Do you also have the guide tube and also the late throwout cross shaft that matches your bearing?

Late cross shaft

Early cross shaft