Stick shift problem

[dsa]

Ok...forgive me this kind of tough question but I need help. I just posted recently that I bought I nice shape 84 Westy and for the most part it is in really nice shape. I'm new to Vanagons but I want to learn as much as I can from you guys. I really want to learn how to work on it. My main problem is the stick shift. I commute to work in the L.A. area everyday which makes it more of a pain. I don't know where to start or what to check. Putting it into first and second are the tricky parts. It seems to rough and unpredictable. First gear seems to be at a weird angle (up and to the left usually) and second is sometimes hard to get into. When I'm on the freeway in 4th and I let off the gas, the stick moves like it wants to pop out of gear but it doesn't. The gears just don't seem aligned right and it seems sticky usually. The clutch was replaced about a year ago so I don't think that is it. I'm sorry I'm rambling but I have a Bentley, I'm looking at the diagrams and info relating to this but I don't know where to start looking. Like I said, I'm totally new to this but I want to fix this thing so I can really enjoy riding it. I love the Bus. Thanks for any info.

David

[Dogpilot]

THis article is written more for humans to understand. Shifter adjustments are tricky.


http://www.van-cafe.com/vanagonparts.jsp?pa=ip&ip=957368499
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Geology with a Syncro rocks!
86 Syncro Westy AKA "The Bughunter"
98 Disco I
08 Range Rover SC
08 VW Rabbit S
1951 O-1G

[floggingmolly]

I had a problem shifting into gear that developed over a couple of months. To eliminate one possibility, check the four mounting bolts that attach the shifter base to the body of the van. The bolts point down, i.e., the bolts stick through the floor and have nuts and lock washers that tighten from under the vehicle, but you have to remove the spare first. There's a box that you'll see about 5 inches square, that I thnk protects part of the linkage, under the van. The bolts go through the lip of that box. At the very least, get under the van and check those four bolts. It's an easy check, and made my problem go away immediately and permanently. Otherwise it was like shifting with a wet noodle. This might not be your problem but is an easy check.
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'85 Wolfsburg Weekender

[MarkWard]

Simple explanation. A properly adjusted shift lever should be centered between 3rd and 4th gear. No side to side input required to select the gear. What you are adjusting is the side to side movement for 1st and 2nd gear. Too much movement to the left and you can be up against reverse, not enough side to side and you will be jamming between 3rd and 1st gear. There is a slip collar halfway under the van for adjusting this side to side movement. Any play in the plastic bushing aggravates this. I'd start by checking for slop as the article recommends. Also a tip. For some reason, 2nd gear is often easier to find. Try putting it in second while at a stand still and then up into first. Finally, try shifting with the engine off. If you can get the gears easily, you may have another problem. Good luck.