Date:         Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:01:05 -0500
Reply-To:     John Meeks <vanagon@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Meeks <vanagon@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: floppy clutch, unable to shift when the engine is on
Comments: To: Kendra Calhoun <kendracalhoun@gmail.com>
In-Reply-To:  <CAOy3=Qj2tz0r-0V5F1eCp08V_3Y-KT89RNVgkqPZbcQyCJ70bw@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

On Wed, Jan 11, 2012 at 2:36 PM, Kendra Calhoun <kendracalhoun@gmail.com>wrote:

> The fluid was really low so I replaced it but it's still not working... it
> would work immediately right? Going to look into that slave cylinder
> problem now. Hope it doesn't need a new clutch... is that what a master
> cylinder is or is that different too? What's bleeding? Like draining from
> somewhere? Geez... thanks for helping this beginner out.


Kendra,

No, it wouldn't work immediately. If the fluid was 'really low', you most
likely have gotten air into the lines. You have to bleed the clutch system
to get the air out before it will make enough pressure to operate the
clutch.

More importantly, if the fluid was that low, you probably have a leak
either at the master (look for fluid on the floor around the pedal) or at
the slave (fluid on the ground between the rear wheels) . Find the leak,
fix that then fill and bleed.

John Meeks
'91 Vanagon MV
Northern Michigan

Vanagon Rescue Squad
www.vanagonauts.com