Date:         Tue, 6 Nov 2001 17:59:24 -0500
Reply-To:     Maynard Southard <echomhs@GIS.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Maynard Southard <echomhs@GIS.NET>
Subject:      On the Road home and need help getting there!

Volks:

This is not as bad as Theresa's story (although the Reinhardt name has got me
worried!)

Ok, I picked up my newly acquired Diesel Double Cab in San Antonio on Saturday
(I have really gone way over the Vanagon Nut edge - 3 different Vanagon
Diesels?)  I have made it to Nashville today (Tuesday) on my way back to New
England (1100 more miles).  Gotta be there by Friday evening for my son's
football game.  I'm making good time, travelling an average of 58 mph.  The
1.6L NA is doing fine (of course, I haven't hit the mountains in VA yet.)

I spent all day Sunday in TX checking the vehicle over for the trip.  I found
the brake fluid reservoir was low.  Brakes and clutch felt fine.  I added DOT 4
to a level between the indicated min and max.  Everything's ok ... so I left
yesterday (Monday).

About 100 miles ago (I've traveled 900 by this point), I pull into an Exxon to
fill up (first two tanks full have gotten me 30+ mpg!) I coast to a stop with
the clutch in and then just as I apply the brakes for the final stop (clutch
still in) it feels like the clutch engages as I hit the brakes (clutch grab).
 I don't think much of it.  Fill up and ready to go.

I start up and push in the clutch to get into first.  The pedal seems pretty
easy to push (more than I remember) and then the clutch seems to release very
quickly as I pull out.  I then have a small amount of difficulty getting into
second gear, but no trouble with 3rd or 4th and I am on my way.

Next stop (20 miles ago) I pay closer attention and it seems the clutch is not
completely disengaging as I shift in reverse, first or second.  I pulled off
the instrument cover and the brake fluid reservoir seems to be at the right
level.  I'm a little worried, as tomorrow I will hit the smokies and blue ridge
mountains of I-40 and I-81.

Question:  does it sound like my clutch slave cylinder needs to be bled?  If
so, must I have a partner to do this?  What steps do I take (is it like the
pedal pushing brake bleed)?  Or does it mean that my slave cylinder is bad?
 I've checked for leaks, but see no evidence.  The brakes are still good.  Is
it possible the clutch is the problem (no slipping noticed)?

Any helpful advice will be appreciated.  I have a hotel room for the night and
some dark hours to contemplate.  Thanks.

Maynard Southard  (OvO) '79
'86 Diesel Double Cab "Col. Potter"
'82 Westy Diesel "Reinhardt"
'82 Vanagon GL Diesel "Sluggo"
'93 EV GL "Klinger"
'00 Golf GLS TDI "WooHoo"
'84 Jetta GL TD "Donor"