Gear problem

Hi all
Ok wish I had not bought it but now to late. First off all when tying to hit first, it would always go in reverse. The gear stick is all over the place. Like the thing has moved to the left. Now I can not get reverse and first. What need repairing and how please. Is it easy and cheap. Or should I put a match to it. Lol.
Also it is always running hot 3/4 on gauge and fan running.

My tuppence worth

Bushes or linkage would be my first thoughts on gearbox issues - cheap enough to fix if that the case.   

The temp gauge will be a process of elimination.  Does the fan start running the moment you turn car on?  That would suggest it's been wired directly due to "issues".   Does the temp gauge climb rapidly or go up at a normal pace?  Really need more info to offer ideas.   At least the fan is on so it could be worse!


 Old cars need looking after and you'll always be finding stuff to fix.    

Agree replace bushes, various kits exist, this one seems to have all the bits
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Gear-Bush-Repair-Kit-With-Rods-5-Speed-VW-Golf-Mk1-Hatchback-Cabriolet/312674923272?epid=1638183638&hash=item48cce0b308:g:OGAAAOSw6-Nbrgqt

The gauge should be @1/2 to 3/4 during normal running and in my experience the fan only runs if stood ideling for long period or doing a 3 point turn on a hot day etc

Thank you for info and link. The gauge goes up really quick.With in. A few minutes of driving. The fan does not go on continuously . I don't remember  my First golf getting that hot quickly. But it has been over to many years to think lol im in Spain though 28c

is this one better has a metal dish thingy
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Comprehensive-Gear-Shift-Repair-Kit-5-Speed-For-VW-GOLF-MK1-CAB-SCIROCCO-JETTA/392852404789?fits=Model%3AGolf&epid=1978006409&hash=item5b77d3fa35:g:GhsAAOSwZ~pePdd8

supeone1973 said

Thank you for info and link. The gauge goes up really quick.With in. A few minutes of driving.

That doesn't sound especially quick especially with the weather we are having.    Does it go straight to 3/4 and fan come on or does it only do that when sitting in traffic?  Mine sits around half way when driving and there is air flow to cool engine but will go up when sitting in traffic before fan kicks in 

Even when on motorway going slow

Most faults are  simple - try putting a new thermostat in.

And back flushing the coolant system, replacing the coolant while you are at it…    

supeone1973 said

Thank you for info and link. The gauge goes up really quick.With in. A few minutes of driving.

Does it go down whilst you are moving in the road or stationary at a traffic light…or in Stop-n-Go…?  

mark1gls said

That doesn't sound especially quick especially with the weather we are having.    Does it go straight to 3/4 and fan come on or does it only do that when sitting in traffic?  Mine sits around half way when driving and there is air flow to cool engine but will go up when sitting in traffic before fan kicks in 

The direct above is to be considered normal.

Flushing and back flushing is a good thing to do every 3-4 years.

I don't think it goes up or down much when driving. The battery has now gone and I'm on another island and do not want to drive it until I need to take it back home as the gears are getting worse and want to make it back. Any comments in the different kits above? Then I can get one ordered as it will take a few weeks getting here

Whilst fettling the linkage I'd top up the gearbox oil. Or if you're not sure about when it was last changed drain and refill with fresh oil.

Yes ok thanks i think I will drain it.Any in sight on link kits above

supeone1973 said

Yes ok thanks i think I will drain it.Any in sight on link kits above

I've not had to do the bushes etc before so just using a bit of logic, the metal bracket will just replace the one that is already there if needed.  

But it has 6 solid reviews with people saying quality is spot on so I'd go for it based on that.  So my vote is for one you posted with the metal bracket 

its bought thanks