Hi all, just an update on the status of this saga.  And thanks all
(*many* of you) who responded with helpful suggestions.  I apologize
I am just too jammed for time right now to thank each of you via
p-mail, but all your ideas and supportive comments really helped.

REVIEW:
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Symptoms: clutch system would not bleed; air kept coming through
           clutch pedal would not return from floor by itself
           Very little fluid pumping through during bleeding
           Attempted to bleed manually using Sean Bartnik's Bart-no-tek
           procedure for *hours*, without success

Approach: Pulled the master cylinder out again to inspect, figuring
           continued bleeding attempts would not be fruitful

Findings: Clutch push rod was not correctly inserted in MC boot hole
           Boot was mangled and jammed into MC, creating resistance keeping
           pedal from returning, or MC from functioning properly.
           Boot torn in one small hole where push rod pushed through it.

Action:   Removed smunched boot from MC.  Cleaned boot.
           Repaired hole created by push rod with epoxy glue rated
           for rubber.
           Boot reinstalled on MC, MC reinstalled in bus.

Findings: Clutch bleeding proceeded this time without complications.

Caveats:  Small drip noted on clutch MC hydraulic line after short drive.
           Is the MC still leaking?  (MC was replaced with new german ATE)
           Possibly could be coming from reservoir--I overfilled it
           slightly during bleeding top-up.
           Will re-tighten hydraulic fitting and check fill line is secure.
           Perhaps boot repair attempt ineffective?
           Perhaps will need to find good used boot?
           Could MC have been damaged by boot munching?

T.
.-'`-.-'`-.-'`-.-'`-.-'`-.-'`-.-'`-.-'`-.-'`-.-'`-.-'`-.-'`-.-'`-.-'`-.-'`-.
Tobin T. Copley,MA   Research Associate                  tobin.copley@ubc.ca
Offshore office: Bowen Island, B.C.         http://huckleberry.chspr.ubc.ca/
Centre for Health Services and Policy Research     http://www.chspr.ubc.ca/
& Dept. of Health Care & Epidemiology                    UBC :(604) 822-6219
University of British Columbia                  Bowen Island :(604) 947-0117