Listees,
On my 84 Westfalia, I removed, dismantled, inspected, replaced a Neoprene seal, and refitted the cylinder in the vanagon with little difficulty. The leaking seal was replaced by one from a $20.00 Raybestos kit from Pep Boys. The large retaining ring, rubber dust cover and the small , wire retaining ring-all parts of the kit- were not needed. In effect, I paid $20.00 for the neoprene seal. I kept the old seal with its numbers intact. There must be a seal outlet in the real world from which these things can be obtained for a few pence. Using a Mityvac in its break bleeder configuration, I attempted to "bleed" the cylinder. The fitting on the MV bleeder configuration proved not to provide an air- tight fit, and I am certain that the clutch cylinder still has air in it. The clutch pedal falls to the floor, feels mushyn when pumped, and the transmission will not engage.. Tomorrow, I'll rebleed the brakes with Teflon tape around the threads of the bleeder valve and with a direct fitting of the plastic piping to the bleeder fitting. In the process of removing and refitting the cylinder, I paid particular attention to the position of the clutch release lever to make certain that I left all components "as was' for reinstallation. In the refitting of the new part, I followed the examined the piston and cylinder bore for scoring, rust, wear, distortion and any other imperfections. They were perfect. I maintained a clean room environment, lubed the internal components, and the piston moved freely in the cylinder in the pre installation stage. Other than the probably accurate diagnosis of air in the cylinder as a result of my inadequate bleeding of the system, is there any other probable cause for the failure of the cylinder to engage the clutch release lever? I'll reciprocate any information or suggestions, and I'll report the outcome of this effort. Tom Hanlon Palm Springs, CA 84 Westfalia |
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