Golf linkage heeeeeeelp!!!

[scoobwr1]

Hi guys, just bought my first Mk2 gti , its had a vr6 conversion.

Im having issues with the gears, first seems to be up near reverse, as in you have to push the gear lever down to get up into first, now this clearly aint normal as you should only need to push the lever down for reverse so what is the issue??

thanks

[gazareth]

hi first I would check the gearshift mechanism on top of the gearbox to see if anything is loose or excessively worn. have you much free play at gearstick?

[scoobwr1]

Not a huge amount of free play, a bit yeah

[gazareth]

does it go through all the other gears fine?

[Mr Blue]

What gearbox? Cable change?

[gazareth]

is there not a d shaped locator hole on 1 of the gear shifts on top of box that comes loose and wears???

[scoobwr1]

to be honest guys on the tower ontop of the box it does seem to be pretty vague & alot of play there,

[typhtoeknee]

Strangely mine has exactly the same issue, first is a lottery at junctions and the easiest way is to slightly depress like I am aiming for reverse and slot it in. Someone sugguested play and a housing allignment not driven this week but last time wasn't too bad. My mind now thinks if it went in gear smoothly you're probably in 3rd  The other gears work like a treat, it did have a gear linkage kit on it weight etc maybe the previous owner messed it up slightly.

Saying that if you have VR6 then is it not a cable gearbox mines is boggo 91 8V

[gazareth]

I wouldn't start adjusting the cables until you sort out any wear in the linkage.get rid of the play and you may find there is no adjustment needed.