As a veteran VW owner most of my driving life, I'll offer this owner tested
and approved shifting technique that wil get you around until you can fix
the problem.  this has come in handy on many a broken clutch cable and the
failed slave cylinder on a BMW 2002 way back in 75.

Put the van in first gear and roll start it as you did.  next, as you
approach your shifting point simultaneously back off the throttle and pull
the gearshift into neutral.  then  blip the throttle and as the rpms drop,
ease the shifter into second gear  Repeat for thrid and fourth if needed.
the only problem is you can't down shift that way.  if you need to down
shift, roll to a stop and start over(after blipping the throttle and working
the shifter in to nuetral of course!).  Yes trhis is hard of the syncros,
but judicious use of the llthrottle will get you close to home for the
repair.

Dimwitted moose and Flying Squirrel.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike Ray" <Mike.Ray@MOTIENT.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, April 14, 2001 9:39 PM
Subject: Help ASAP, Stranded, Need clutch advise....

> Hi all. I'm 2 hours from home (but at my GF1.0's house with minimal tools
> and no car) Yes! The night before Easter and my `87 Westy has finally
> stranded me. I stopped at a store, came back out, went to put the clutch
in
> and NOTHING! I can't push it in! I got to her house by starting it in 1st
> and not stopping.
>
> I have my Bentley and tomorrow I'll disconnect the slave off of the
> transaxle and see if I can push in the pedal. I don't know, at this point,
> if it's an hydraulic problem or a throwout or flywheel prob. I've been
> working on cars for years but never on my Westy.
>
> Has anyone had this symptom before? Any good leads? I've never seen a
> hydraulic system lock up hard instantly. Looks like only light fluid on
the
> top of the master.
>
> Thanks all and Happy Easter and quick advice would be most appreciated!
>
> Mikey
> `87 Westy
> Temporarily in Harrisonburg, Va