

| Subject: | Clutch slave cylinder and leaking coolant |
| From: | Eric Peterson |
| Date: | Mon, 7 Jan 2002 15:37:09 EST |
1989 Vanagon 2.1L 2-wheel drive 125k Hello all - I have two issues: Issue 1 - I have a leaking clutch slave cylinder and I am planning on replacing it. The clutch master cylinder was replaced 10k ago. I have read numerous posts on the archives emphasizing the importance of replacing both slave and master at the same time. My question is...is replacement of both master and slave at the same time only necessary when both have numerous miles on them? Since the master is relatively new (10k), I was hoping I didn't have to replace it. I know it is my risk, just asking. If anyone has replaced only one with the other being fairly new and has information to pass on, please do! Issue 2 - I recently completed a cross-country trip (approx. 5000k) from fairly warm northern CA to cold NY. I constantly checked my coolant level during the trip (every stop). The coolant level never went down. Upon arriving at my destination (Cold NY) I noticed the coolant level in the refill tank was maybe an inch lower than usual. The next day I looked under the engine and noticed a coolant leak. The leak was not bad, just droplets forming beneath the engine. There was no noticible loss of fluid from the refill tank during the time the van was sitting (3 days) so the leak was not bad while sitting. I thoroughly inspected the engine and could not find any leaks. I inspected the rear heat exchanger and found no leaks at the valve. I have not yet tested the expansion tank for cracks but will do so eventually. Today (still very cold) I looked underneath and...no leak, no visible droplets forming. I have researched the archives and understand that the cold weather could cause problems with hoses, clamps, shrinkage of head gasket, etc. I wish I could be more specific about where the leak is coming from, but I don't have the facilities to do a thorough inspection. Mechanic is looking at it tomorrow. Anyone have thoughts on this? If it was a head gasket problem, wouldn't the leak continue in cold weather while the van was sitting? My thanks to all that have replied to my earlier post and apologies for repeating myself.
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