Date:         Mon, 25 May 2009 21:01:47 -0600
Reply-To:     vanagonvw <vanagonvw@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         vanagonvw <vanagonvw@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: air in clutch hydraulic system '84 Vanagon ?puzzled?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

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

>Anyone have any ideas?


Hi Leo,

Gonna go with the slave cylinder leaking. There are places where the fluid
collects, and probably spills when you drive and so you never see much sign
of it. You need to bleed it the same way you do the master clutch cyl.

I have had no luck finding anyone who sells a slave cylinder worth a nickel.
I am on my fifth one, after the original one kicked the bucket 40K miles
ago. They are all crap, and whomever builds them, should be shot.

I have never seen any leaks, and constantly ask the same question you did,
if there was air getting in, won't I see a leak. The answer, odd tho it is
to say, is 'no'

Hopefully, if you bleed it well, you will be okay. At least you can get to
yours, being a water boxer. Mine is air cooled, and although it is a
nightmare, I have become quite good at replacing it.  Lots of respect for
the VW engineers from way back, but this one doesn't get my vote <shrug>

Good luck.

John