This has happened to me twice on my 1982 Westy Diesel.  In both cases it was
a failed slave cylinder mounted next to the transmission.  I had to replace
it each time.  What was wierd is that it did not fail gradually--each time
it went out all of a sudden. The clutch did not engage until you pushed the
pedal nearly to the floor and then it engaged only partially as you
described it. The clutch itself was OK.

----- Original Message -----
From: "aj" <ajay@SUFFOLK.LIB.NY.US>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2002 4:29 PM
Subject: symptoms of a failing clutch

> Can someone describe the symptoms of a failing clutch.  In the last few
> days  I've had to floor the clutch pedal in order to shift gears.  The
> gears engage when I release the clutch pedal  about an inch or so from
> the floor.  There is difficulty in shifting gears.  How does one
> troubleshoot this problem?  Is it the clutch, the clutch hydraulic
> system,  the linkage.etc.etc.?  I would appreciate any information about
> this problem. TIA. alex
>