Date:         Mon, 8 Feb 1999 11:41:09 -0800
Reply-To:     Chris Bracken <chris@XLNT.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Chris Bracken <chris@XLNT.COM>
Subject:      clutch problem solved
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Last week I was having clutch problems on my 87, felt like clutch needed
adjusting but there is none possible.  Several listmembers mentioned a test
for hydraulic problems, namely pumping the pedal a few times and seeing if
that changed the problem.  Well, I did, and the clutch improved.  I picked
up a new slave cylinder at a local import store ( $50.98 ) and a "one man
brake bleeder" from Napa.  This is just a little check valve and some
tubing to allow you to pump the air out without opening and closing the
bleed valve on every stroke.  The slave cylinder is not that hard to R/R,
but next time ( another 12 years, I hope ) I will put the bleeder tubing on
the valve BEFORE I install the cylinder; there is not a lot of room between
it and the lip of the pan.
Anyway, once bled the thing worked great.  It is interesting how different
the clutch feels, the engagement point has moved from almost at the floor to
up near the top.
Bottom line: thanks for the help!!!

Chris
87 Wolfsburg