Golf mk4 1st gear problem

[Amo512tr]

Hi, I have a problem on my 1998 1.4 Golf.
First gear is very difficult to engage like its being blocked, sometimes its easier to select 2nd and then 1st, however that dont always work.

Any ideas?, clutch has been replaced and there is no grating noise when selecting any gears.

Thanks

[AdrianR]

Don't know the 'box specifically, here are a few things that could be wrong. Not going to attempt to guess which withot driving it!

1) No oil in box...all leaked out somewhere. Expect all gears to be notchy and other noises to develop.
2) Clutch not releasing properly - all gears (esp 1st & reverse) difficult to select when stationary. Car may creep along in 1st on level ground even with clutch fully depressed.
3) Weak/broken syncromesh - a particular gear is hard to engage, may be notchy or even "grind" when you try. Can be any gear but usually 1st or 2nd as these take the most punishment.
4) Bent/broken linkage - no noises, no creep but the thing still won't go in properly.

As I said, difficult to diagnose without driving it but a gearbox specialist should be able to tell you quite easily.

Colleague had (4) on his Puma - 50p spring broken but unfortunately was gearbox out job to fix.

AdrianR