Date: Tue, 6 Nov 2007 08:50:30 -0800
Reply-To: neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: (Part II) Clutch Dies in Cold Weather
In-Reply-To: <C355DAD5.261B%cichowski@montana.edu>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
My .02
If clutch worked in warmer weather, then the clutch mechanicals et al,
should be ok. Since cold weather is one obvious change, then look
toward hydraulics (as you are already)
If no leaks and PO installed parts correctly and bled with correct
brake fluid, my guess would be clutch slave cylinder since the cab of
the bus would be warmer (if heat working!).
Would the seals in slave cylinder shrink in colder weather allowing
fluid to pass by?
Anyone?
Neil.
On 11/6/07, Ben Cichowski <cichowski@montana.edu> wrote:
> 25 Degrees this morning - same dead clutch. Yesterday, after it warmed up to
> 40, I went out and had NO problems what-so-ever with the clutch... (although
> it still feels a little soft for my taste and can stick in gear a bit if I
> hold the clutch in too long - another hydraulic clue...)
>
> So, as per my own thoughts and the thoughts of several others on the list,
> it looks like hydraulics are likely to blame (If I am missing something,
> someone please give a shout! - and by all means, feel free to tell me I'm
> being stupid and missing something obvious...things tend to stick better
> that way).
>
> I had my wife pump the clutch this morning as I watched the slave. The Slave
> moved...a very little bit and seemed like it was trying to push the lever,
> but then, CLICK, the lever pushed back. She kept getting the soft peddle
> syndrome again and again and I noted maybe 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch of movement
> on the slave.
>
> Unfortunately...I'm not sure this rules out any particular components. I
> guess it could be the slave leaking...it could be the clutch master...I
> guess it could even be something binding in the tranny (but I think given
> the cold weather...I can safely say it is something hydraulic).
>
> The Slave does NOT LOOK new - it seems a bit rusty for 6K the PO says it has
> on it...hmmmm.... Also, I forgot to note in the last post that the slave and
> clutch master cyl were both listed as replaced when I purchased the vehicle.
>
> Even thought the master cyl looks new (compared to the slave), my gut is
> still leaning that direction. What do you all think? I've got to get going
> on it pretty quickly, as the snow will fly any day now and I'm about to be
> on new-baby duty in a few weeks.
>
> Cheers,
> Ben
>
>
> On 11/5/07 8:48 AM, "Ben Cichowski" <cichowski@montana.edu> wrote:
>
> > Hi All,
> >
> > Thought I had this fixed...20 Degrees F this morning tells me otherwise!
> >
> > My clutch goes to the floor in cold weather (usually below 40 F). I thought
> > it was air or moisture in the lines, so I had it pressure bled and replaced
> > with new hydro fluid.
> >
> > Seems to push down "Dead," then stay there...then it might pop back up and
> > feel like it has pressure...but pushing it down again does nothing.
> >
> > The PO had put a new slave cyl, and pressure plate in about 6K ago - maybe a
> > bad part??
> >
> >
> > Any ideas from you seasoned vets would be great - Thanks,
> >
> > Ben
> > 88 Wofsburg Weekender ej22 (KEP adaptor)
> >
>
--
Neil Nicholson. 1981 Air Cooled Westfalia -
"Jaco" (Bustorius)
http://web.mac.com/tubaneil
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