Date:         Sat, 11 Jan 2003 00:48:42 EST
Reply-To:     Oxroad@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jeff Oxroad <Oxroad@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Time for a clutch? NOW coolant leak+
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

Thanks to all for the tips and advice.

Interesting twist in the story. I noticed the coolant was low and then found
the 8mm(?) hose from the bleeder valve to the crossover pipe on the 1.9L was
leaking. The hose was brittle and leaking right down onto where the engine
meets the transmission bell housing. Since there is no water tight seal
between the engine and bell housing (and infact a loosly capped inspection
hole) I wonder if the coolant could have leaked into the clutch housing and
compromised the clutch by sopping it with coolant--thus helping it slip.

If anyone has ideas please let me know. And if the coolant has hit the clutch
and throwout bearing will it have compromised the clutch and bearing?

Having said that the clutch engages so high on the pedal I have a feeling
replacing it would not be in vain in any case.

I was able to change the 8mm coolant hose, which was and is fule line. Is
that the best for that connection? The old hose was brittle as all get out
and I had just installed it a mere three years ago.

Thanks,
Jeff
83.5 Westy
LA,CA

In a message dated 1/10/2003 2:13:26 AM Pacific Standard Time, Oxroad@AOL.COM
writes:

<< Seemed like my clutch was slipping today. >>