Date:         Mon, 25 May 2009 16:14:03 -0700
Reply-To:     RICHARD KOERNER <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         RICHARD KOERNER <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Subject:      Re: air in clutch hydraulic system '84 Vanagon ?puzzled?
Comments: To: Leo Lipert <leolipert@GMAIL.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

My guess is a leaking slave cylinder, back by the transmission.  This
happened to me 8 months ago.  No leaking on the ground.  But leakage
collecting in the rubber boot on the slave cylinder.  The mechanic
showed me; peeled back the boot, and full of fluid.  Symptoms were
pedal to the floor, barely able to change gears.



Replaced the slave cylinder (which should always be done at the same
time as replacing a master cylinder because the slave will now be the
"weak link") and all was well again.  For about $270 parts and labor,
including diagnosis, while on a cross-country road trip.



BTW, bleeding out the air and topping off fluid was the first attempt
at a fix; lasted a few days, but the problem came back.  Needed the new
slave.



Rich

'85 GL

San Diego

--- On Mon, 5/25/09, Leo Lipert <leolipert@GMAIL.COM> wrote:

From: Leo Lipert <leolipert@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: air in clutch hydraulic system '84 Vanagon ?puzzled?
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Date: Monday, May 25, 2009, 2:44 PM

Help! Last week I bled my clutch system as I had a very low pedal. I'm
positive I did it when I replaced my clutch master cylinder a few months
ago, but I didn't know wnat else to do. Well, I saw air and dark fluid come
out so I figured I didn't get it bled very well when I changed the master.
My pedal was much higher after bleeding.

In the course of a week, my pedal has gone back down to the floor. Somehow,
air is being introduced into the system. I just inspected the clutch
hydraulic line and I find no leaks.

Wouldn't I see leaks if there was an area that was letting air in?

Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks, Leo