'82 T25 Gear selection problem

[Lafawnduh]

Hi there

We have a 1982 T25 Devon Camper, petrol, and i think we are starting to develop a problem with gear selection.

When the van is stationary i can't get her into 1st gear....i can get her into 2nd, in order to move off...but im concerned this is the beginning of something major going wrong.

One thing i think may be significant is that if the van is moving, i am able to put her into 1st....i.e. when coming up to a junction or traffic lights, if i change down the gears, i can put her in 1st just before i come to a halt. Or if i move off in 2nd slowly, i can pop her into 1st.

Any ideas on what the problem may be and/or any tips on how to fix it? Is it the gear box or the clutch?

Thanks

[dugwiththevwbug]

more than likely a gear selection linkage issue as there are several points along the van that are prone to wear or movement. fairly easy and cheap to rectify perhaps if you post your location there may be some one close by who could help or fix for you.
regards doug

[Lafawnduh]

Thanks Doug....am a bit of a novice, but from reading bits of the wiki and other peoples posts, i was thinking that may be the issue...will read up a bit more, but not sure if its something i could attempt myself.

Is this silly to ask? It feels/sounds a bit dry when changing gear...like metal against metal...gearbox oil issue?

[The Bobdogs]

Drop the spare wheel cradle and you will find a box mounted below the gearstick position , the open side of this box is toward the back of the van. Give it a flipping good blast of spray grease and see what happens! Made loads of differance to mine.

[Lafawnduh]

cool...i can easily see that...

by spray grease you dont mean WD40?

[Lafawnduh]

actually, a quick search for spray grease answered that, i think.

so should i maybe clean it out first, and then apply the grease?

[The Bobdogs]

Would have thought any kind of lube would show an improvement....spray grease just a bit more durable..
Hope it improves the gear selection!

[Lafawnduh]

yeah fingers crossed...have a big trip to Glastonbury, from Belfast this summer...wanna avoid any problems

[dugwiththevwbug]

have a butchers at this link you will see diagrams of all the linkages just give them all a spray and check for major wear/ looseness https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=64852" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

should have all you need on the above link
brickwerks sell a kit or seperate parts should you need anything replacing

[lhd]

Should be using white grease.
I had this problem and it turned out to be the nut which connects the linkage to the stick had come undone.
Also check the rear nut where the linkage connects to the gearbox.
Rob.

[Lafawnduh]

Thanks guy,s for all the tips...

What i realise now is that when the engine ISNT running, i can get her into gear very easily...all gears.

But once the van is running, it still wont go onto first....and can be a little difficult getting into second.

What does this suggest...the clutch?

[VWCamperfan]

Either the clutch not fully releasing (where is the biting point, high or low) or a problem with the spigot bearing/input shaft into the gearbox from the clutch plate.

[armyphil]

drop your gearbox oil if you dont know when it was last done might show some nastys but at least good clean oil its better than de graded old oil

[Lafawnduh]

The biting point doesnt feel unusual...ie its fairly low, not particularly high.

Will changing the oil help? Obviously it wont do any harm, but what "nasties" would i be looking for?

[armyphil]

Metal fragments, teeth chiipings, fillings old oil can sometimes create stiff gears but usually just dropping the oil is a good indication of what condition the gear box is in