First proper breakdown.......

[Gogso1]

......on the way to the zoo with the kids today in our 1981 Aircooled T25. Was cruising along at around 50mph, suddenly lost drive (felt like it jumped out of 4th gear), couldn't get drive in any gear, managed to cruise to a safe stop, with the engine still running. As soon as I brought the van to a stop, I cut the engine, only to find that it wouldn't start again.

The friendly AA man reckoned the clutch had gone, but as we couldn't get it started he reckoned he coudn't say for certain, so I took up his offer of a tow to a local garage. I guess I'm now at their mercy, but just to give me some semi-knowledgable chat, I'd be really grateful for any suggestions any of you might be able to offer up?

Its an expensive business, this.........

[kevtherev]

does the engine turn over?

[Gogso1]

Yup, the engine turns over.

Would it be normal for a clutch just to go like that - there had been no previous signs that any thing was amiss (other than occasional jumping out of 1st gear)?

[irishkeet]

you don't say where you are in your profile
it would be helpful if you add this information

for example if you were in london I could recommend a couple of good mechanics
my clutch went shortly after i got my van on wood green high street on a Saturday evening in the pi$$in rain

got towed to a recommended mechanic and it cost £230 with parts

cheers
irishkeet

[Gogso1]

Hi, thanks, I'm in Falkirk (now added to profile!).

I've been assured a diagnosis at some point on monday, keeping my fingers crossed, if I got away with £230ish I'd be delighted!!

[wilkco]

Hi

i had a similar problem i had change the engine in my t25 air-cooled but i left the gear box in. put the engine back in it started but could not engage gear was told buy vw specialist sounds like clutch gone however if was the gear selector bar on the gear box had bent and was not pushing the selector in far enough to engage the gears on the box but the gear shifter was moving as if selecting

Hope this helps

[CovKid]

Not sure about engine failing to restart but a detached driveshaft would also cause this.

[Gogso1]

Thanks all. Expecting a call from the garage with their diagnosis at some point today, will let you know.....

[Gogso1]

Well, one new coil, ignition unit, distributor cap and rotor arm and we're back in business.........for now.......