>I have 85 GTI and have some problems shifting gears when
>the engine is running (parked or in motion). In order to
>shift into any gear, I have to use excessive force. When the
>engine is not running I don’t have that problem.

Sounds like your clutch needs adjusting.

>Will the engine run rich or lean when the oxygen sensor is
>disconnected?

I’m pretty sure that the default is to go to full rich (limp-home mode).

                 tom coradeschi <+> tc…@pica.army.mil
               http://k-whiner.pica.army.mil/tom/tom.html

P. Babicz) wrote:
>    I have 85 GTI and have some problems shifting gears when
>    the engine is running (parked or in motion). In order to
>    shift into any gear, I have to use excessive force. When the
>    engine is not running I don’t have that problem.

Your clutch is dragging. It may need adjustment or it may be time to
replace it. Either way, shifting with a dragging clutch causes much wear
on the transmission synchronizer rings. Bad.

Good luck.

Enjoy,
Dave

Mint condition ’79 Scirocco w/’85 GTI RD engine, knock-sensor, c.r. trans
w/.71 5th gear, self-made short-shifter, Neuspeed t.body, new catalytic
converter

–
Dave Carpenter                   "It’s never done THAT before…"
Have Voice Will Travel
Providing voices over the ‘net
for all types of media.