----- Original Message -----
From: "John Rodgers" <j_rodgers@CHARTER.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, March 09, 2003 7:03 AM
Subject: Bleeding the clutch.

> OK, guys, (and ladies)
>
> I have installed the new clutch master and I have filled the fluid
> tank.
>
> [snip]
> Are there return springs in the master and slave cylinders. Or does the
> spring pressure of the clutch pressing against the clutch actuating arm
> apply pressure backward against the piston in the slave cylinder which
> in turn pushing fluid backward to the clutch master which pushes the
> clutch master piston back up to contact the clutch pedal plunger rod?????

The latter.

> Is this why pressure bleeding from the slave cylinder is required? To
> simulate the clutch spring return pressure to drive the fluid back up
> through the system? I'm just trying to understand it, and Bentleys is
> worthless in this regard.
>
> Finally, isn't there some way to pressure bleed the thing without having
> to go out and buy an expensive pressure bleeder?? Or is there some
> simple little thing like a Mighty Vac that is applied to brake bleeding,
> but is instead usable for clutch bleeding?

In the 20+ years I've owned my Vanagon I've replaced the master/slave
cylinders twice and, frankly, I've never had a problem bleeding the system.
Since I only got a Mighty Vac 5 or 6 years ago I know the first time I bled
the system I used the tried and true method of the SO stepping on the pedal.
If I remember correctly I had the SO pump the pedal a few times and the very
slowly depress the pedal as I opened the bleeder on the slave, closing it at
the bottom of the downstroke.  I can't recall if I used the Mighty Vac on
the second replacement - things kind of blur together after so many years -
but, if I replace the hydraulics a third time I'll first try the Mighty Vac
knowing I can always fall back to the SO method.
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Tom Young                       '81 Vanagon
Lafayette, CA 94549         '82 Westfalia
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