Date: Sat, 21 Jan 2012 08:58:18 -0500
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: floppy clutch, unable to shift when the engine is on
In-Reply-To: <CAOy3=QhgTdUT4M0fSdC50zKR=ABSh0VBseeYNA9PdxHiA4vKgQ@mail.gmail.com>
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I know it is no longer Friday. I don't know your age, driving, auto
experience etc. but you maybe have to do some learning here.
I also don't know what you paid for this van. I don't think you were "had"
as much as you did not do your homework or have realistic expectations. You
purchased a 30 year old vehicle and expected to just get in it and drive!
Not only that but you want to drive it long distances. Then you do not have
the resources to do repairs. Regardless of mileage and running ability at
purchase you are going to be in for some surprises. I am willing to bet that
if a good inspection was to be done there will be a list of work that is
needed before a long trip. A clutch is a wear item just like brakes. Yes
more expensive due to labor but a real brake job can get costly also. Of
course I have to ask how new is the engine really and why didn't it get a
new clutch with at least the slave cylinder? You may also find that
something else broke like the clutch arm. If you can't afford a clutch job
near home what are your plans if break down on the road? What if you get in
an accident?
Some of my rules:
All used vehicles for sale are being sold because they are no longer
wanted. You need to know why.
Especially true if current owner only had it for a short time or if it is
being resold for profit.
Since purchase price is often part or buyers expectations, whatever is paid
it is often just the down payment.
Low mileage is not always a good thing. Age and mileage do matter. Low
mileage vehicles often mean long idle periods due to lack of maintenance.
For all used vehicles pre purchase or plan to service soon check list:
1) Tires, Age, condition, correct type. I often find the tires will tell the
story of the rest of the vehicle. A good vehicle for sale will not be in
need of tires.
2) Brakes and suspension. No matter how nice it may run stopping and
steering are real important. Any suspension bushing that has not been
changed will most likely need to be. On the Vanagon lower control arm
bushings and the radius rod mounts are big labor items. Your van probably
needs them. For brakes it is likely the rotors are cut to thin and the drums
are oversized. They need to be inspected. When was the last time the wheel
bearings were serviced? Was the brake fluid ever changed?
3) Chassis and body. Some will say check this first but if it is a total
rust bucket or a collision wreck you would have stopped looking anyway, I am
talking about a more detailed inspection looking for future problems.
4) Fluids. What condition is the oil, coolant, brake fluid, etc. in. Plan to
change all unless the seller just did it and you know it was really done.
Consider oil and coolant analysis.
5)Engine compression-leak down and oil pressure.
6) Cooling system. Is it functioning correctly? Air cooled engines are
often missing critical pieces including the thermostat and related parts.
Low temp thermostats on water cooled is a sign of something being masked.
This includes the heater(s). Are there any antifreeze or for air cooled
engine fumes inside.
7) Exhaust. Exhaust repairs can become quite costly.
8) Interior. What condition is everything in? Does everything work.
My hope is that some of this is helpful. My real concern is what can happen
once on the road far from home. Especially if you have others traveling with
you as you have some responsibilities and liabilities there. I hope you
manage to go on your journey and enjoy it.
The good thing is that this is a vehicle you can learn to work on and with
minimal space and tools. I think most of the folks on this list do much of
their own work. For any old vehicle you need to pursue this or plan to spend
regular money. If you need repairs on the road you can be looking $100/hour.
Many repairs can be done roadside or parking lot. Having tools will be most
helpful. Knowledge is also good even when at a shop. Get a Bentley manual
and consider a subscription to alldatadiy.com
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Kendra Calhoun
Sent: Friday, January 20, 2012 3:48 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: floppy clutch, unable to shift when the engine is on
Just replaced the cylinders and bled the clutch and still have the same
problem - shifter won't shift into gear unless with great force... in which
case it turns off or makes a nasty sound.
Is this the dreaded bad clutch?
Any chance this could be something simpler?
I think I have to try to sell it or trade it for a stupid minivan ASAP as
our band has to leave for a 60 date tour Sunday. Geez I just bought it a
month ago and it's in otherwise such great condition... new engine and
everything... just don't have the funds or time to repair the clutch.
The father and son that had sold it to me said they were mechanics that had
worked on it for 10 years before it's owner passed away and that it would
take us around the country just fine... now they're saying that's not
exactly true and was sold AS-IS. I'VE BEEN HAD! GEEZ!
On Thu, Jan 12, 2012 at 7:14 AM, george jannini
<georgejoann@gmail.com>wrote:
> You don't have to pump the clutch pedal to bleed the slave cylinder.
>
> Even if the bus is sitting on the level, gravity will do the job, and
> it's slow enough for one person to monitor the master cylinder and add
> fluid as necessary until the clean stuff emerges. Don't forget yer
> catch pan...
>
> Geo/ATL
>
