TheSamba.com :: View topic - Can't Get Bus Into Gear

Thu Nov 19, 2009 9:29 pm

I just installed a new clutch, thow out bearing and pressure plate. I can put the bus into gear when the engine isn't running, but just can't get it into gear when its running. I drained the transmission and checked the fluid and it looked fine. Any thoughts? Thanks!

Thu Nov 19, 2009 9:30 pm

How much freeplay is there at the pedal?

what year bus is this?

Thu Nov 19, 2009 9:59 pm

Thanks - 1969. There is definately freeplay in the pedal - I have not yet adjusted the cable since installing the engine, but I have gotten under the car while my wife trys to shift and have made sure the thow out bearing arm is engaged to the maximum.

Thu Nov 19, 2009 10:09 pm

did you replace the pilot bearing (gland nut) or at least grease it?

How much trouble did you have mating the trans to engine?

If you put it in 4th with the clutch in and try to rock the bus back and forth to move it, it does the engine turn over or does the car move and the engine stand still?

Thu Nov 19, 2009 10:16 pm

Thanks. I did not replace the gland nut but did grease it. I had no problem at all mating the tranny and engine. I will try your test in 4th tomorrow.

Thu Nov 19, 2009 10:31 pm

mtbcpa wrote: Thanks - 1969. There is definately freeplay in the pedal - I have not yet adjusted the cable since installing the engine.

Why not? If you are sure you are getting the full travel from the clutch lever on the transmission then it could be many things. Did you replace all clutch items with same parts? Your description says you are not getting the disk moving enough through its travel.

Thu Nov 19, 2009 10:36 pm

I would adjust the clutch for freeplay before putting too much time into it. That may be all it is. Will only take you one minute to do it since you are under there already.

Thu Nov 19, 2009 10:36 pm

what kind of pressure plate and disc?

Thu Nov 19, 2009 11:58 pm

:? After adjusting it if the problem continues it could be a pilot bearing issue. Oh and you did you put the clutch in right??(Its not in backwards)

Sat Nov 21, 2009 7:50 am

Boy, I sure hope I put the clutch in right. Anyway, the more I think about it, I'm sure it's a clutch cable adjustment problem. I was relying on my arm to believe that the clutch is being engaged to the maximum, but the more I think about it, there is no way I can manually (with my arm) pull on that clutch arm with enough pressure to engage that pressure plate. I'm going to work on it today. Thanks for your thoughts.

Sat Nov 21, 2009 7:56 am

germansupplyscott wrote: what kind of pressure plate and disc?

Did you overlook this post?

Were your new Pressure Plate and Disc identical to the old ones?

here's a thread with some pics and info...

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=384703&highlight=pressure+plate

Sat Nov 21, 2009 10:24 am

73kombi wrote: here's a thread with some pics and info...

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=384703&highlight=pressure+plate

yes exactly what i was thinking.

Sat Nov 21, 2009 12:42 pm

germansupplyscott wrote: yes exactly what i was thinking.

I kinda knew you were, you just didn't come out and say it...that one was still fresh in my mind. :wink:

I hope that kid made it outta Alabama!

Sat Nov 21, 2009 4:13 pm

Adjust the clutch cable and come back if there is still a problem.. It won't go into gear if the motor is running and the clutch doesn't disengage fully when you're not moving