thanks Jim..its 2:00 in the afternoon and at last look there is no leak
underneath and the fluid line in the well is staying full..my fingers are
crossed that it was just the fluid that was causing this!!!  I have gone around
the block 2 times testing the shifting and it appears to be ok!1!  if so...its
a miracle...am keeping and printing out these e-mails incase it is a more
complicated thing going on...of course its really weird that the well was bone
dry...especially after i paid that mechanic 100.00 to fix the problwem!!!  When
will I ever learn........ASK THT LIST FIRST!!!!!!!! susanb

Jim Henry wrote:

> Susan,
> This sounds like it might be leaking clutch cylinder, could be master or
> slave or may require replacement of both to provide a long term fix. This
> was one of the problems with my westy when I bought it and the PO had been
> taken to the cleaners on several attempts to get it fixed. They had actually
> been charged almost $500 to replace the slave cylinder by the local dealer
> with incomplete results. I lucked out because the PO wife decided it was a
> death trap and almost literally gave it away. I replaced the clutch master
> cylinder myself ($79 from local flaps), even  though their records showed it
> being replaced fairly recently. That was 25k miles ago.
>
> Your symptoms are very similar. Best of luck. Have a great vacation.
>
> Jim Henry
> 84 westy.
>
> Susan Bernavich wrote:
>
> > Beloved List...help!   I cannot get "Harold" into first or reverse 4 out
> > of 5 trys....when he finally goes in ( to put him back in the driveway)
> > the engine dies as soon as I push the clutch in to stop....was in the
> > shop...replaced part (100.00) out two days and began the same
> > routine....vacation end of week....Harold is a 1983
> > diesel.....85,000...he has run very well this summer until this began
> > happening....5 speed manual....Mike Snow or anyone have a clue???  Would
> > appreciate input...thanx   Susan B.