Syncromesh=playdough in cold weather

[bbob203]

0*f my mk2 shifts like it has playdough in the transmission. I thought everyone swore by this stuff for the 020?

[wolf_walker]

Redline for me for years.  Haven't been that cold, but considering the age/wear of most of my 020's they have shifted alright into the low to mid teens.

[Enslaved_Pickle]

I used redline in my first 020 last feb until july when the diff blew apart, shifted like butter <3

Still using it on my now 2nd 020 and it doesn't shift quite as smoothly as the first one did, it feel more like playdough like you said. Mileage may have something to do with it? I think so, but thats my .2, hope this helps

[theman53]

I used the new G70 VW and syncro mesh no issues, but I am not driving it at 0f, but did several thousand on the same trans that cold or colder with royal purple and syncromesh blend no issues what so ever.

[RabbitJockey]

i have syncromesh in my mk4 and it shifts perfectly.  feels the same as any other temp

[ToddA1]

 Synchromesh is in my 02A and shifted fine this morning at 3°F.

-Todd

[theman53]

could be the condition of the trans more than the oil used.

[bbob203]

What about the condition would cause it? Above 15* its fine tiny bit sluggish but frees up quick. When I had the case off it looked great.

[theman53]

synchronizers could be worn not stopping the shaft as good as it should is probably what is going on.

[air-cooled or diesel]

for 'extremely' cold starts, let warm up at a fast idle for 2-3 minutes, hopefully can help.
I run amsoil gl-4, no real problems, the other day it was fine @-2f, yesterday at 3f it was making some more noise at first as I got going. I don't know how much of the noise was trans, but it shifted fine. cleared up in a min or 2.

[theman53]

FWIW, You didn't specify that it quit, so I was taking it that it continued all drive. If it is just when you first start out like the guy above stated, then let your car warm up a bit. If it is 0f out I go at least 10 minutes before driving. 99% of the engine wear is at cold start, which is extended when it is so cold out. Let stuff warm up a bit. Also for your trans, don't try to speed shift without driving it 20 minutes or so in this weather...I hope you already knew this.

[8v-of-fury!]

Double clutching is SUPER EFFECTIVE when it is cold out..

[wolf_walker]

Yeah, the first few miles are like 2-3 seconds between gears on most of the 020's I've had when it's really cold. 
Takes an experienced hand to not be unkind to the old things.

[vanbcguy]

I haven't had a working 2nd gear synchro in about 4 years. Double clutching is my life!