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And what about this bloke???


Polo Gearbox Filler Plug WARNING - Phil W   Thu 27 Mar 03 23:27  
 
I have a VW Polo 1250 CL 1990 H reg. I wanted to check the gearbox oil level so I checked with the Haynes manual. It said there was a level plug and a drain plug but failed to describe where they were located and didn't give a photo or diagram. I therefore undid the most obvious candidate for the level plug - in a similar position to those on Vauxhall Cavaliers and Novas I have worked on in the past. A small amount of oil came out when it was removed so I assumed all was OK and replaced it. It seemed odd because it seemed to have a rod going into the gearbox but I assumed this was a scavenging magnet. I then found I was unable to select first or second gear and reverse was very stiff! I rang VW and they told me that there is another bolt on the front of the gearbox that looks like a level plug but actually supports the reverse shaft inside the gearbox! Apparently I'm by no means the first to make this mistake. They said the gearbox will need to come out and be repaired (?300+ at VW). Thats some mistake!
Why oh why does the Haynes Manual not warn about it when the consequences are so disasterous?
Has anyone else had to deal with this? Are there any tricks I can use to retrieve the situation without taking the box out?
 
I bet everyone would really want him to work on their cars!!!