Crunching first gear, 1997 16v

[Boozeano]

Hi,

I've just bought a 1997 Mk3 Gti 16v with 100,000km (62,000 miles) on the clock (I'm in New Zealand and everything is in K's here). On the test drive everything was fine but since then it's crunching into first gear about 90% of the time. To stop it from crunching I can put it into 2nd then shift up into 1st. This is all happening whilst at a complete standstill.

I have a feeling the syncho is on it way out? ..or will changing the gearbox oil stop it crunching? I'm surprised a car with fairly low millage is giving me gear box problems (before moving to NZ I owned a mk2 16v with 120,000k on the clock with no problems with the box at all).

If anyone has some answers/advise I'd love to hear, cheers!

[paparoacho]

My 97 16v with 75k miles crunches sometimes too but mainly from cold.  Is it right that there is no syncro on the 1st and reverse?

[Seanl]

My 97 16v with 75k miles crunches sometimes too but mainly from cold.  Is it right that there is no syncro on the 1st and reverse?

1st does, although it is very weak and known to give problems when selecting first when rolling. Mine crunches into second when cold, but is fine by the time I get to the end of the street. Mine only came about after a new linkage kit, and fresh oil though.

As for the OPs question, the 02a gearbox is not known to be weak, but obviously if its been ragged all its life, its gonna have a detrimental affect on the box. Thats the only answer I can give tbh, unless your clutch is on its way out, or your fluid is low or old.

[LowlifeDubber]

When mine was crunching in second gear i was advised by a lot of people to try this stuff http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=47&pcid=7


It's a little pricier than normal gear oil but i tell you what it is sweet as a nut now!Well worth a go before you start going down the gearbox changing route.

"Designed for transmissions and transaxles - helps to slow synchros for easier shifting across a broad temperature range

Popular in Ferrari, Porsche and Subaru transaxles

Musclecar applications like Ford Top Loader, Borg-Warner T-10 and Super T-10, and Muncie transmissions

Contains extreme pressure additives like our 75W90 GL-5 oil, but lacks friction modifiers to balance slipperiness

Improved copper corrosion protection to prolong synchro life

Helps with lock-up on weak limited-slip differentials-compatible with Red Line Limited Slip Friction Modifier for tuning slippage

Also used with clutch-type LSDs in racing for maximum lock up

Recommended for API GL-5, GL-6, MT-1, MIL-L-2105E and SAE J2360"

[thai-wronghorse]

Mine was exactly the same when I first bought it....The gear shift on these cars are notoriously notchy yet vague. I much prefer the shift rod linkage of the 8v cars rather than the hydro clutch and cable shift on the 16v & VR6.
Start by draining the crappy old gearbox oil out pouring some fresh VW stuff in, this makes a world of difference.
Next its worth inspection the shift tower for wear and excessive play in its moving parts. For some stupid reason VW thought itd be a good idea to use loads of flexi plastic on this?!
Metal replacements are available but are quite difficult to get hold of or ridiculously priced.
I also stuck a short shifter gear lever on mine which is much better than the rubbish pressed metal nastiness from the factory. Shorter throw, faster changes and feels a lot more solid due to its billet alloy base.
Another option for improved shifts is to stick a mk4 02J gearstick and tower on.

[Boozeano]

Thanks for all your answers guys. Today I've come to the conclusion that it might be more clutch related as if I'm gentle selecting first it goes in ok however (not selecting 2nd first) if I'm a little more aggresive then it crunches. I've noticed this for reverse too. All other gears are fine.

[Seanl]

It slips out of second when cold too, that my problem. Also reverse slips out when giving it some beans. Will this Redline stuff make much of a difference as I'm gonna sell up in spring for a Corrado anyway, but want the car perfect before I do. Apart from the headlining thats started to sag and this issue, I'm there really.

[justalex81]

no mate you've got a knackered gearbox if you're slipping out of gears. need a new one i'm afraid

[Seanl]

What I'd resigned myself to tbh.