TheSamba.com :: View topic - 68 Autostick - Always Slips in gear

Wed Feb 19, 2003 7:49 pm

I just bought a 68 type 1 with a 1500cc engine and a 3 speed Autostick. The engine runs well, the clutch vacuum actuation diaphram leaks a little so its hard to get in gear (I tied a rope to it for testing sake to manually engage it and get it in gear). I've identified this problem which leads me to believe the clutch disk is fine and points me toward the torque converter. On level ground it will very slowly start to roll up to about 5 mph at idle but doesnt change speed with throttle and will can not over come the slightest bit og uneven ground. Reverse seams to move a little quicker but is still relatively unresponsive. I've checked the ATF level while running and everything apears to work well. Can anyone give a newbie a few other places to check which may lead to a diagnosis of the trouble spot? I'd like to give the autostick a chance before I swap my 4 speed in and give up.

- Mike

Wed Feb 19, 2003 8:48 pm

The autostick oil pump on the back of the normal pump perhaps?

Or a slipping clutch plate maybe.

The vacuum clutch actuation is adjustable.

You need a good vacuum signal for the clutch mechanism to work properly too.

Swapping your 4 speed is not too hard, but putting aclutch tube in the tunnel is the biggy (your 68 won't have one - some later auto-stick bugs do).

www.claydons.demon.co.uk has the whole process if you decide to go that route.

Rob (68 semi-auto converted to manual)
Rob and Dave'a aircooled VW pages
Repairs and maintenance for the home mechanic
http://www.geocities.com/aussiebug1970/

Wed Feb 19, 2003 9:32 pm

hmm. This is interesting. At upper speeds the car seems fine? I agree the torque converter sounds suspect. The fluid level in the tank is good? With the engine running, take off the ATF cap. Stick you finger down the filler neck (oh yeah, do this when the engine is cold). You should feel a nice strong current of ATF coming out of the return line. I'm wondering if your torque converter isn't full. If you're just getting a slight trickle, then you've got blockage somewhere (as opposed to the oil pump). The oil pump is so simple (2 gears, I'm not sure what could happen to it to lose pressue). Was the ATF tank recently bead blasted and painted? New paint job with the engine out but the tranny left in?

Here's some unsolicited advice. Set a dollar limit on what you're willing to pay to get the autostick running again. Once you reach your limit - do the switcheroo Sadly, I've spent waaay too much money on getting my autostick running. Don't get me wrong, I love the autostick for the stop and go traffic around here. But, I've put more money (and time) than I wanted to all because I don't have a clutch cable tube in my tunnel. Well, 2 years later, I'm at that decision junction again, spend a little more on the autostick? Or bit the bullet and spend the hassle of installing that damn clutch cable tube? I've decided to bite the bullet. Let me know if you need a good working used vacuum unit. I'm sure we can work something out.

One last thing, buy a used copy of the Orange Bentley manual - the Autostick section at the back of the book is surprisingly complete.

Wed Feb 19, 2003 9:37 pm

Okay one more thing then I'll shut up. After re-reading Aussiebug, I'd certainly explore his (or her?) suggestions. It's always a smart move to thoroughly investigate all adjustments and options on the outside of the engine and tranny, before yanking the engine out and having a look-see.

Thu Feb 20, 2003 1:44 am

Thank you for everyones advise. After a short trip through a chiltons manual, I decided to adjust the vacuum clutch actuator and the tranny stopped slipping as well as the actuator began working properly so I finally was able to drive it around the block. Fun car, 4 wheel drums kinda sucked a bit but oh whell. The engine started to miss and lacked power on the way home so I guess I'll look deeper into the timing, spark and fuel delivery (it might be empty, it was dark!). So far, I may still swap in a type 3 1600 with standard 4 speed which I'm conveniently removing tomorrow to swap in a new 1914 and freeway flyer in a squareback on bags. Thanks for the help!