Date:         Thu, 19 Nov 1998 09:20:30 -0600
Reply-To:     Ken Korn <kkorn@JUMP.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Ken Korn <kkorn@JUMP.NET>
Subject:      Re: Is my clutch slave failing?
Comments: To: "jhembel@execpc.com" <jhembel@execpc.com>,
          "Vanagon List (E-mail)" <vanagon@vanagon.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

My 82 was doing nearly the same thing after I bought it. The problem was
solved when I was under there bleeding the clutch and brake lines. When my
wife was pushing the clutch pedal, I was seeing the entire clutch slave
cylinder and bracket MOVING! Turns out that the large bolt and nut which
fastens the slave cylinder bracket to the engine (on top) was MISSING! When I
replaced that bolt and fastened the bracket securely, my problem was gone.

Because pumping the clutch seems to help you, there might be some internal
leakage in the system. But before you start down that path, do change the
fluid and completely bleed the brakes and clutch until nice clean fluid (with
no bubbles) comes through.

Ken
82 Westy
74 914 2.0
75 914 1.8
Austin,TX

>Currently the clutch must be FULLY DEPRESSED to shift without
>grinding. It will start grabbing 1/2 inch off the floor, and be fully
>engaged at about 2 inches off the floor. If I pump the clutch, the
>engagement point seems to be temporarily raised from the floor-slightly.
>Is the hydraulic slave adjustable? I've checked my manual and hav'nt
>seen any procedures. If I need to replace the slave/s do i do both or is
>one more prone to decay/fail? Lastly, tell me it is'nt the clutch?????
>Thanks everyone in advance- for your thoughts and suggestions. Joel