Trans-clutch problem

[dieselherb1]

Okay to start, I'm putting a 1.6TD from a Quantum into a 81 pickup. Got it in and started but can't get it into gear even with clutch adjusted way in. Can put in gear and start it but goes nowhere, weird! Tried to put it into 5th, gears grind. Can start it 1st,2nd but little movement. This isn't the first 020 I've installed.
Thoughts?

[Rabbit TD]

To begin with are you using thetransmission that was in the truck before the swap and did it work ok. then.  If it did it is obviously in the shift linkage or a cluth problem when switching to the new engine.  Did by chance the new engine have the clutch assembly on it from the other vehicle?

[dieselherb1]

I bought 2 trucks from 1 guy he said he drove them both till the timing belts broke. And I put a new disc and used pressure plate on the engine(it was a auto Quantum) Do you really think it could be the linkage/ I replaced all the bushings and grommets and new shift arms. Weird how I can put it in gear then start it, it pulls like you would expect for a second then nothing. I'm new to the way VW put the pressure plate on the crank and the flywheel to it. Also another problem. Pump only pulls enough fuel from the tank to idle. Pulled a vacumm at the filter, fine didn't try before filter. I ran an IV of fuel straight to the pump run great revved up fine.

[Rabbit TD]

So what you are dealing with then is a truck with it's original 5 speed trans with a new disc and a used pressure plate and all new bushings and such is that right?  First of all before you try to adjust the shifter you need to know you have a good transmission.  Will it shift through the gears with the arm on the trans.  You should be able to select each gear manualy and start the engine and let the clutch out and it should stay in gear at least.  These things are a little tricky to get the shift rod underneath adjusted right but the trans has to be good first.  From what we read you really don't know the trans is good beause it wasn't running when you got it.  If you can shift it with the arm on the trans and it will click into all five gears plus reverse odds are that it's okay.  Do both trucks have 5 speeds?  Try shifting the other one in the same manner to see if it feels any different, I hope your trans is OK.

[dieselherb1]

I called the guy I bought the trucks from he said yes the trans shifted fine until the belt broke. The only gear that grinds when I try to force it is 5th. So that sounds like the clutch is working? So you think when I think I've put the trans in gear its not fully engaged?

[dieselherb1]

I pulled the trans today. I put a new pressure plate and disc in it when I had the engine out. So why would there be no clutch with a new clutch set? Trans okay I took the disc and spun the trans input shaft with it. I looked colse at the pressure plate(it maybe Chinese, no part#)Got it from a Ebay store. First thing I noticed its not as tall(laying on a flat surface)as an OEM. Also it looks to be compressed. I thought my pushrod might be too short be same as 3 other 5 spds I have(4sp has shorter rod) The disc had less or no wear-scuff on it.

[Rabbit TD]

I called the guy I bought the trucks from he said yes the trans shifted fine until the belt broke. The only gear that grinds when I try to force it is 5th. So that sounds like the clutch is working? So you think when I think I've put the trans in gear its not fully engaged?

Can you manualy at the transmission put it in fifth and start the car with the clutch in and then let it out to stall the engine,  if you can I would be looking at shifter adjustment. If you can't and it stays in gear but doesn't stall the engine then you have a clutch problem, probably something missmatched or too mucch free-play in the pedal.  This isn't one of those damn hydraulic clutches is it

[jtanguay]

you might just need to adjust the cable clutch.  is it the self adjusting type?