67 bug won’t shift when motor is running

[63VWBug]

I have a 1967 bug that will not go into a gear when the motor is running.
If you turn motor off, it will go into any gear. I can put it in 1st gear, start motor, the car will move. If you try and shift it binds up, but there is no grinding noises. The clutch releases nicely and smoothly.
The pressure plate, clutch, throw out bearing, the arms supporting the T/O are all good. Bowden tube is in correct position.

The only thing I’ve found is a worn front shift rod bushing. It moves up and down about 3/8”. I know this can cause hard shifting, but will effect the shifting when the motor is running or not?

History…. Car was purchased without a motor. A good motor was installed and shifting issue was discovered. In the yard I’ve driven it in 1st gear and reverse if I turn motor off to select the gear.
Will putting in a new shift bushing fix my problem?
Thank you.
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69 bug KCR Superstreet, Scat 1776, C35 cam, Dual single solex carbs, Scat prostreet heads, 1 3/8 headers with heater boxes retained, 009 dist., 1.25 rockers

63 Bug 2.2 subi motor, 36 dells, mega jolt

[67rustavenger]

I have never encountered the can't put it in gear with the engine running issue.
That said, it wouldn't hurt to change the shift rod bushing.

Make this tool to assist in getting the shift rod out and back in the tunnel.

_________________
I have learned over the years.
Cheap parts are gonna disappoint you.
Buy Once, Cry Once!

There's never enough time to do it right the first time. But there's always enough time to do it thrice.
GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo!

[63VWBug]

[mukluk]

Will changing the shift bushing fix the issue where it won't go into gear with the engine running? Absolutely not. Doesn't mean it's not worth your while to fix that problem as well, but the shift rod bushing cannot cause your main problem.

When a transmission shifts easily into all gears with the engine off but will not do so with the engine running, the cause is the transmission input shaft is not disengaging from the spinning engine. This will be caused either by the clutch disc not releasing properly, or the input shaft is seized in the pilot bearing.

First course of action is to verify the clutch is in fact properly adjusted. If you're unsure if the clutch cable is tightened enough, try turning the adjustment nut(s) in at least five full turns to see if that makes a positive difference. If adjusting the clutch doesn't clear up your issue, then the engine needs to come out to inspect the clutch, TOB, cross shaft, and pilot bearing.
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1960 Ragtop w/Semaphores "Inga"

[Ragman]

What makes you think the pressure plate is good?

I would try another one if possible.

[63VWBug]

Ragman…I assuming the P/P is good because it still looked new and when I drove the yard, car felt normal. I do have a new P/P . clutch disc, and T/O bearing. I just wasn’t convinced it was the issue, so I was looking for input before reassembling.

Mukluk….thank you for your informative input. I did play with different clutch adjustments with no positive charges. I will look at replacing the shift rod bushing, but wanted to isolate my first issue. When I removed the motor I really thought it was going to be a bent or cracked arm the T/O bearing rides on. I have a new clutch disc pressure plate, and bearing to go in on the reinstall. I bought it from a guy who put the motor in the car. He gave up on the project because of the current issue. Thanks again.
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69 bug KCR Superstreet, Scat 1776, C35 cam, Dual single solex carbs, Scat prostreet heads, 1 3/8 headers with heater boxes retained, 009 dist., 1.25 rockers

63 Bug 2.2 subi motor, 36 dells, mega jolt

[Cusser]

1967 bug; I assume your 200mm pressure plate DOES have a center ring, right?
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1970 VW (owned since 1972) and 1971 VW Convertible (owned since 1976), second owner of each. The '71 now has the 1835 engine, swapped from the '70. Second owner of each. 1988 Mazda B2200 truck, 1998 Frontier, 2014 Yukon, 2004 Frontier King Cab. All manual transmission except for the Yukon. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335294 http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335297

[63VWBug]

[Schnitzelfuss]

When you start the car in first gear with the clutch pedal depressed does the car move? (e.g. you’ve confirmed the clutch is not frozen to the pressure plate?)

[VW_Jimbo]

[shano63]

This happened to me with my 63 as well. I was getting it back together, fresh engine rebuild, new clutch..etc. Turns out the clutch disc was just a bit too thick. I bought another disc, problem solved. The new disc was just a bit thinner than the one I had. 18k miles later, still going strong. Just a thought
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63 T1 Ragtop Gulf Blue
20 Toyota Corolla 6spd
22 Wrangler 6spd
78 F250 4x4 4spd

Chris

Take it as it comes-- Morrison

[VW_Jimbo]

[mukluk]

[Cusser]

[VW_Jimbo]

[63VWBug]

[63VWBug]

[63VWBug]

Update…..
I found the problem…clutch tube weld was broke. Welded her up, all good.
_________________
69 bug KCR Superstreet, Scat 1776, C35 cam, Dual single solex carbs, Scat prostreet heads, 1 3/8 headers with heater boxes retained, 009 dist., 1.25 rockers

63 Bug 2.2 subi motor, 36 dells, mega jolt