Problems getting into gear when van has been driven

Post by **spev58** » 01 Jun 2008, 14:57

I recently got hold of a T3 with a 1.9 Td Passat engine in (AAZ) and when ever it is driven for some time it is extremely difficult yo get into gear, any gear.

I have just got back from my second show of the year Stonor Park and have had the same embarasing problem where I was stranded unable to get into any gear to move my van. Once she cooled down I had no problems with gear selection.

Is this a clutch problem, gearbox problem any help would be greatly appreciated.

Dave

Post by **VWCamperfan** » 01 Jun 2008, 18:03

Would check gearbox oil level as my first point of call. Sounds like its overheating and going tight. Would happen if low on oil.
Give that a check first and see how it is.
Ps. Oil filler behind gear linkage on right-hand side of gearbox... Somewhere!

Post by **toomanytoys** » 01 Jun 2008, 18:45

As in it just grinds, what if you start it with it in a gear (clutch down?)

Is the engine fitted using an adapter plate or proper belhousing?
Could also be the input shaft is too long and as everything heats up get really tight in the end of the crank.. (or even the spigot bearing in the end of the crank is failing) or a clutch problem (plate/actuation etc etc..)

low oil, input shaft problem, adapter plate missalignment can all cause major gearbox damage..

Post by **spev58** » 01 Jun 2008, 21:33

Had the gearbox oil level checked and that was OK, I have been reliably informed that it is more likely too be spigot bearing or the clutch itself. She will be going in for a detailed look this week. Thanks for your posts

Post by **mirams** » 02 Jun 2008, 16:36

Could be that you just need to bleed the clutch fluid (from the valve on top of the slave cylinder - just accessible from engine bay).

If there is any air around it evaporates out and expands as the engine/gearbox warm up. Pushing the clutch pedal then compresses the air instead of moving the slave cylinder.