Dean & All- I have personal experince with this problem and the debate. My MG Midget goes through clutches like its no tommorrow! With me they usually last about 7k miles, yep that's it! Each time it is not the clutch that fails. It is as dean suggested, the throwout bearings. My mechanic says that the only time the bearings are being worn down is when the clutch is engaged(pushed to the floor). He rags on me and tells me not to wait at stop signs/lights stomped on the clutch. I don't and the bearings still wear out! The reason is because the technology is old and the bearing are graphite or something like that that wear out easily. Nobody has made a better aftermarket one yet! With the vanagon, The bearing are better and very well last longer than the clutch itself. BUT, you are putting undo wear on the throwout bearings by waiting with the clutch to the floor and in 1st gear. So my MG mechanic and I say a resounding: YES! You are putting undo stress on your poor van. It doesn't hurt to be careful and nice to your van by putting it in nuetral while you wait at a stop light! have fun, ADAM '74 Midget ISO Wolfie(getin' close!) _________________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com |
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