Trouble getting 1st gear from neutral when stationary

[Pootle]

It's getting difficult to engage 1st gear from neutral, it feels as if something is stopping the stick from moving "into the slot". But if I keep the clutch down, and engage 2nd then quickly into 1st it's fine.

What is the problem likely to be? It doesn't feel like a gearbox problem...

1989 1.9 DG wasserboxer, 4-speed

[Aidan]

worn selector shaft guides under the gearstick - repair kit available from Brickwerks designed and produced by our own Silverbullet

[Pootle]

worn selector shaft guides under the gearstick - repair kit available from Brickwerks designed and produced by our own Silverbullet

Is that this kit: http://www.brickwerks.co.uk/shop?page=s ... gory_id=99" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; and will I be able to fit it myself provided I apply the appropriate amount of cursing?

many thanks

[lsidir]

Hi,

I have the same exact problem! Did you manage to find a solution? I don't think that the problem is the selector shaft guides, but more likely the rear gear linkage bush and/or the middle one. Also maybe by re-adjusting the universal joint might do the trick (although I would first replace the bushes).

Can anyone help a bit and suggest how to remove the pin that holds the gear lever with the gear shaft? Do I just hit it until it goes all in? and do I need to replace it with a new one? I did read something similar to the wiki, but I dont feel confident that I really understood the process:)

cheers

lefteris

[Pootle]

I have the same exact problem! Did you manage to find a solution? I don't think that the problem is the selector shaft guides, but more likely the rear gear linkage bush and/or the middle one.

See this thread here https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.p ... 76&start=0. I don't think it was the selector shaft guides either. I didn't change any bushes.

[lsidir]

See this thread here https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.p ... 76&start=0. I don't think it was the selector shaft guides either. I didn't change any bushes.

adjusting the splines by turning the gear rods is the solution indeed! but there is a reason why the previous setting does not work and this twist is needed, and my guess is that the bushes have worn out. For that reason I decided to change the bushes first and then re-adjust, just to be on the safe side.

[Silky]

We had this problem on our van, in fact we ended up losing second gear too. Initially we thought the engine was on its way out as of course the van wouldn't get moving from 3rd gear (we hadn't realised it was missing the gears), fortunately it was much more straightforward than that. I'm no good with the techie stuff but it was something to do with the linkage (?) and cost less than £50 for MAC VW in Manchester to sort out - the gears have been nice and smooth ever since.

The gears in the LT are sticking a little too and feel a little "notchy" I'm hoping it'll be the same, easy-to-resolve issue.

Silky