At 10:29 AM 01/23/2000 +0000, you wrote:
>I think I have a problem with the clutch master cylinder.  Last night
>coming home from night xc ski trip the van became more and more
>difficult to shift. Finally it would not disengage when the clutch was
>pushed in.  Stop lights meant turning the van off.
>
>To me this seems like some sort of hydraulic thing like brakes.  It does
>not feel like the clutch is shot, though it may be.
>
>Can any one provide some suggestions for identifying the actual problem
>and steps that can be taken to repair such.  This occurred in colder
>weather, 0F.  After turning the van off for a while I was able to shift
>for a little bit then the problem returned.
>
>Thanks in advance for assistance.

Check the fluid level in the reservoir, which is behind the instruments,
under the cowl cover that you reach behind and give a firm pull to popen
offin there. If it is low, fill and bleed the clutch. Check for leaking at
the master and slave cylinder. Replace leakers, then bleed again.

If the fluid level is OK and no evidence of leaks are in play, check that
the slave bracket is not broken. If that is OK, remove and inspect the
clutch mechanicals.

T.P. Stephens aka Doktor Tim
San Juan Island, WA