Date:         Sun, 18 Feb 2001 20:50:34 EST
Reply-To:     Oxroad@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jeffrey R <Oxroad@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Clutch problem on 85 westy
Comments: To: jbeckham@worldnet.att.net
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

In a message dated 2/18/2001 12:40:33 PM Pacific Standard Time,
jbeckham@WORLDNET.ATT.NET writes:

> Now for the problem I just
>  finished installing the master cylinder and still have an intermittent
>  clutch some times it works some times it don't.

Joe--

I haven't had the problem you have with the clutch. But I do remember that
the clutch slave cylinder, according to the Bentley manual, has to be bled
"only with pressure bleeder". Which I suppose means bleeding the system by
pumping the pedal for some reason would not work to purge air from the
system. (perhaps someone out there knows more about this and why pumping the
pedal does not work to bleed the system.)

I'm not sure what method you used to bleed the system. And if you already
know this information, I'm sorry for stating the obvious. I just remember it
not being something that would seem obvious--at least to me.

I bled my clutch slave cyliner using a brake bleeder pump which I used as a
suction on the slave cylinder bleeder. Honestly I don't know if this is the
correct method but it seemed to work OK and the clutch seems to operate
properly for about 15,000 miles so far.

Incidentally the fluid in the clutch line was nasty and brown and obviously
hadn't been purged in some time--for those who haven't done it in a while
might consider bleeding this line. I think it's recommended every two years
along with replacing the brake fluid..

I have another theory, but it's only a theory--and that would be the short
length of rubber hose in the back of the bus between the metal brake fluid
line  and the slave cylinder is flexing and expanding due to wear, and not
allowing the slave cylinder to operate properly. Although if it were flexing
it would seem it would always flex--and therefore not explain sporatic clutch
operation.

Again--I don;t know if this would be the cause of your problem, but seems a
place to check. Perhaps you've checked this already.

Good Luck
Jeff
83.5 Westy
LA,CA