Trouble selecting lower gears

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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?

[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?

[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?

[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!