My guess is a leaking slave cylinder, back by the transmission.� This
happened to me 8 months ago.� No leaking on the ground.� But leakage
collecting in the rubber boot on the slave cylinder.� The mechanic
showed me; peeled back the boot, and full of fluid.� Symptoms were
pedal to the floor, barely able to change gears.

Replaced the slave cylinder (which should always be done at the same
time as replacing a master cylinder because the slave will now be the
"weak link") and all was well again.� For about $270 parts and labor,
including diagnosis, while on a cross-country road trip.

BTW, bleeding out the air and topping off fluid was the first attempt
at a fix; lasted a few days, but the problem came back.� Needed the new
slave.

Rich

'85 GL

San Diego

--- On Mon, 5/25/09, Leo Lipert <leolipert@GMAIL.COM> wrote:

From: Leo Lipert <leolipert@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: air in clutch hydraulic system '84 Vanagon ?puzzled?
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Date: Monday, May 25, 2009, 2:44 PM

Help! Last week I bled my clutch system as I had a very low pedal. I'm
positive I did it when I replaced my clutch master cylinder a few months
ago, but I didn't know wnat else to do. Well, I saw air and dark fluid come
out so I figured I didn't get it bled very well when I changed the master.
My pedal was much higher after bleeding.

In the course of a week, my pedal has gone back down to the floor. Somehow,
air is being introduced into the system. I just inspected the clutch
hydraulic line and I find no leaks.

Wouldn't I see leaks if there was an area that was letting air in?

Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks, Leo