72 bus shifter shaft alignment

[thespen]

I changed the shift shaft coupling on my 72 bus and now the shifter socket is turned to the right so I can’t install the shifter. How do I get it to center?

[busman78]

From under the bus with a pair of pliers of the right configuration and size either clamp onto the coupler in the rear or the socket up front and turn it. Is the coupler in the correct position with the shaft so the detent for the screw was lined up? It should of been in neutral when coupled, turned to the side puts it into a gear.

[SGKent]

something is not right with what you did. Go back thru it. Make sure each grub screw is in the dimple.
_________________
“Most people don’t know what they’re doing, and a lot of them are really good at it.” - George Carlin

[thespen]

Not sure if it was in neutral when i started but since hooked up I cannot move the socket left/straight. I replaced the set screw by the now coupling and checked the one about halfway back and the set screws are in the “dimple” they should be, I can move the shifter holder forward and back (2nd to 4th) but not left. Back under I go tomorrow to check everything again. Maybe the transmission is in a “hard spot”, I’ll push the bus forward. Thanks for your help/advice!!

[Wildthings]

Some shift couplers are junk. I am presently running an EMPI coupling sold through CIP1. It is a rigid one piece design to the metal frame so there is no possibility of movement or misalignment between its parts. Don't have a clue how long it will last before it breaks though. If they had advertised it as being EMPI I would not have bought it, but so far so good.

[thespen]

Well after coupling replacement then unhooking it from the shaft, I can’t get the transmission to go into first, second and reverse. Probably have to pull engine and transmission, can I get away with replacing transmission front end? Any tricks to fixing or no option but to pull?
Thank you.

[dodger tom]

i’m no expert, but have you gotten the trans into neutral, and followed the bentley while redoing the install?

while multiple issues can arise, i don’t see how engine/trans removal is the next step.

if the repeat install doesn’t work, how bout reinstalling your old coupler, just to see if it works.
_________________
1978 Champaign Edition Westfalia
Would never find the time to keep up another classic air-cooled.

[SGKent]

I would pull the coupler grub screw loose and see if the shifter will go thru all the gears. Then you can pull the coupler off with the trans still in the car and put the shifter in 2nd to pull the coupler off the shift linkage. Then use some vise grips to see if the trans will shift properly.

The way the shift rails are built, it is almost impossible to get it in 2 gears at once to lock it unless something is bad inside the nosecone.
_________________
“Most people don’t know what they’re doing, and a lot of them are really good at it.” - George Carlin

[thespen]

I put in the old coupling that’s when I noticed the coupling round end that attaches to the back shaft was turned a little off center. I’ve had the transmission in neutral then tried to put it in first and second w vise grips attached to back shaft, it won’t turn and engage 1 & 2. Also had clutch pushed in and tried as well. I don’t have a Bentley manual. Fluid level in trans is good. W the shaft detached at the transmission everything works fine w rest of shaft. I’ve put in the old and new coupling, no difference.

[Wildthings]

Why did you change the shift coupling in the first place? Were you already having problems?

[thespen]

I rubber bushing fell out of the old coupling so I had to replace it. I just bought this bus a few months ago, it sat for a few years but the engine is good, got it started then discovered the transmission problem. I’m going to drain the fluid and check for metal, needs fresh oil anyway.

[SGKent]

this is a manual, is that correct?

Can you verify. With the vise grips you can find neutral, and the hockey stick will go straight forward and back from there, but in neutral it will not rotate?
_________________
“Most people don’t know what they’re doing, and a lot of them are really good at it.” - George Carlin

[thespen]

Yes it manual. We did everything you mentioned, the shaft coming out of trans won’t turn to left, first and second and reverse

[SGKent]

[thespen]

Sounds like I’ll be buying a rebuilt transmission. I’m in New Bern, NC. Any recommendations where to find one, please let know. Thanks again.

[aeromech]

My local VW transmission shop might ship you one.

Transworks
El Cajon, Ca
_________________
Lead Mechanic: San Diego Air and Space Museum
Licensed Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic
Licensed Pilot (Single engine Land)
Boeing 727,737-200-300-400,757,767
Airbus A319,320,321
DC9/MD80
BAe146
Fokker F28/F100
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VW Jetta
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Capable of leaping tall buildings in a single bound

[dodger tom]

while a very few might be as good, no one’s better than ken at german transaxles.
_________________
1978 Champaign Edition Westfalia
Would never find the time to keep up another classic air-cooled.

[aeromech]

Never heard of him

Just pulling your chain
_________________
Lead Mechanic: San Diego Air and Space Museum
Licensed Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic
Licensed Pilot (Single engine Land)
Boeing 727,737-200-300-400,757,767
Airbus A319,320,321
DC9/MD80
BAe146
Fokker F28/F100
VW type 1 1962,63,65,69,72
VW Type 2 1971 (3 ea.) 1978, 1969
VW Jetta
VW Passat
Capable of leaping tall buildings in a single bound

[mikedjames]

Before sending the transmission off to be repaired, it is worth taking the nose cone off as there is a bracket holding the rod that the shift relay lever moves up and down on , that breaks sometimes.
And the plastic donut on the end of the hockey stick that pushes the shift relay lever wears out.
_________________
Ancient vehicles and vessels

1974 VW T2 : Devon Eurovette camper with 1641 DP T1 engine, Progressive carb, full flow oil cooler, EDIS crank timed ignition.
Engine 1: 40k miles (rocker shaft clip fell off), Engine 2: 30k miles (rebuild, dropped valve). Engine 3: a JK Preservation Parts "new" engine, aluminium case: 26k miles: new top end.
Gearbox rebuild 2021 by Bears.

1979 Westerly GK24 24 foot racer/cruiser yacht Forethought of Gosport.
1973 wooden Pacer sailing dinghy

[SGKent]