Trouble selecting lower gears

Suspension; Gearbox, Clutch and Driveshafts; Brakes; Steering; Throttle and clutch cable issues
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Dave185
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Location: Somerset

Trouble selecting lower gears

Post by Dave185 »

So, with the recent sunny spell my mk2 Scirocco has been running a bit warmer (particularly when in stationary traffic). The engine isn’t getting too hot though or even close to overheating.

But something’s developed a hatred for lower gears when it’s warm. When the car is moving or it’s just been started, gears are selected perfectly, no resistance at all and aligned nicely. But when at junctions or traffic lights on hot days, there is a huge amount of resistance that builds up so 1st and 2nd can barely be selected at all.

Just wondering if anyone else has had a similar problem or might have suggestions for resolving.

The car had a new clutch a few years back and clutch cable seems to be ok around the bulkhead. Possibly as simple as changing gearbox fluid??

Cheers,
Dave.


VW Golf mk1 Clipper Cabby 1.8 - 1988 (now sold)
VW Corado G60 -1992 (now sold)
VW Karmann Ghia - 1969 (now sold)
VW Golf VR6 - 1996
VW Golf Mk2 Type19 - 1984
VW Scirocco Mk2 GT 1.6 - 1989
blakey
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Location: Nottingham

Re: Trouble selecting lower gears

Post by blakey »

Definitely worth changing the gear oil, potentially it could be the original oil.

I used Millers TRX Synth 75w 90 in mine, it certainly was an improvement, but very little old oil came out so the 'box may have suffered a bit anyway. There are plenty of oil options, most manufacturers have a checker on there website for compatibility.

May be worth checking the gear linkage too, it may need lubricating. The symptoms do suggest a clutch dragging, but make sure there's a bit of free play at the clutch pedal to ensure the release bearing isn't constantly under load.


'89 Sapphire Scala Inj.
Member No. 1455
Dave185
Posts: 25
Joined: Mon Dec 14, 2015 8:01 pm
fill in the right answer: 15
Location: Somerset

Re: Trouble selecting lower gears

Post by Dave185 »

Thanks for the response!

Worth taking 5 mins to adjust the clutch cable this morning I suppose. And I’ll get round to the gearbox oil later this week.

Might take a closer look at the linkage later too.


VW Golf mk1 Clipper Cabby 1.8 - 1988 (now sold)
VW Corado G60 -1992 (now sold)
VW Karmann Ghia - 1969 (now sold)
VW Golf VR6 - 1996
VW Golf Mk2 Type19 - 1984
VW Scirocco Mk2 GT 1.6 - 1989
mark1gls
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Joined: Thu Apr 02, 2009 9:28 pm
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Location: Somerset

Re: Trouble selecting lower gears

Post by mark1gls »

Change the gearbox oil, it gets over looked so often and usually ends in a broken gearbox....

https://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/p/car- ... &0&cc5_868

2 bottles is plenty for a oil change.

Make sure you can remove the filler plug before removing the drain plug just in case you have problems.


Mk1 78 Scirocco GLS 1.6 FR, weekend toy.
Mk1 88 Golf GTi cabriolet 1.8 DX. Daily drive.
Membership No. 323
Dave185
Posts: 25
Joined: Mon Dec 14, 2015 8:01 pm
fill in the right answer: 15
Location: Somerset

Re: Trouble selecting lower gears

Post by Dave185 »

So, diagnosis was dragging clutch.

There was about 30mm of slack at the box, which should be about 10mm. I’ve adjusted it and taken it for an hour long drive, all gears now selecting perfectly.

New issue is high biting point now haha, possible new clutch required. Just have to see how she goes.

Will still be replacing gearbox oil this week though. Certainly can’t do any harm!

Thanks to all for the advice, much appreciated.


VW Golf mk1 Clipper Cabby 1.8 - 1988 (now sold)
VW Corado G60 -1992 (now sold)
VW Karmann Ghia - 1969 (now sold)
VW Golf VR6 - 1996
VW Golf Mk2 Type19 - 1984
VW Scirocco Mk2 GT 1.6 - 1989
mark1gls
Posts: 3957
Joined: Thu Apr 02, 2009 9:28 pm
fill in the right answer: 10
Location: Somerset

Re: Trouble selecting lower gears

Post by mark1gls »

Just noticed your in Templecombe, your only about 20 minutes from me, I’m about 2 miles up the A37 from the Podimore round about..
A fellow Mk1 Golf cabriolet and Scirocco owner no far... what’s the chances of that? :-D


Mk1 78 Scirocco GLS 1.6 FR, weekend toy.
Mk1 88 Golf GTi cabriolet 1.8 DX. Daily drive.
Membership No. 323
Dave185
Posts: 25
Joined: Mon Dec 14, 2015 8:01 pm
fill in the right answer: 15
Location: Somerset

Re: Trouble selecting lower gears

Post by Dave185 »

That’s scary! I must almost drive past your house once per week when I go to Bridgwater college. Haha. Unfortunately had to sell my Mk1 recently in order to buy my first home :’-(
Have to meet up sometime maybe?


VW Golf mk1 Clipper Cabby 1.8 - 1988 (now sold)
VW Corado G60 -1992 (now sold)
VW Karmann Ghia - 1969 (now sold)
VW Golf VR6 - 1996
VW Golf Mk2 Type19 - 1984
VW Scirocco Mk2 GT 1.6 - 1989
mark1gls
Posts: 3957
Joined: Thu Apr 02, 2009 9:28 pm
fill in the right answer: 10
Location: Somerset

Re: Trouble selecting lower gears

Post by mark1gls »

I work in Burnham on sea so I also drive in that direction, I head through Coombe Hill woods towards the A39 at Ashcott then down the A39 and turn off at Bawdrip. I have seen a blue Mk2 Scirocco when I was driving my Mk1 Scirocco last year, it turned off towards Compton Dundon, was that you?
Last edited by mark1gls on Sun Apr 22, 2018 11:18 pm, edited 1 time in total.


Mk1 78 Scirocco GLS 1.6 FR, weekend toy.
Mk1 88 Golf GTi cabriolet 1.8 DX. Daily drive.
Membership No. 323
Dave185
Posts: 25
Joined: Mon Dec 14, 2015 8:01 pm
fill in the right answer: 15
Location: Somerset

Re: Trouble selecting lower gears

Post by Dave185 »

It really was, I remember that haha. Your Scirocco is a lovely example. I remember giving you a thumbs up and a big grin at the junction haha!


VW Golf mk1 Clipper Cabby 1.8 - 1988 (now sold)
VW Corado G60 -1992 (now sold)
VW Karmann Ghia - 1969 (now sold)
VW Golf VR6 - 1996
VW Golf Mk2 Type19 - 1984
VW Scirocco Mk2 GT 1.6 - 1989
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