Jim,

I do not have any experience replacing either the slave or main cylinder,
but I have removed the slave cylinder from its bracket many times in my 82
ac Westy.  The only advice I can give is to start soaking everything with
penetrating fluid ASAP.  The rear bolt on the mounting bracket can be a
major PITA to remove and penetrating fluid can be a big help.  About a year
ago there was a thread on the list about the best way to remove this bolt
(search the archives under my e-mail address).  I have always managed to get
it off from underneath with a standard wrench, but others have used all
kinds of funky jointed and bent tools to get at it.  I believe somebody
suggested removing the big piece of cooling tin that goes over the front of
the motor and accessing the bolt from the engine compartment.

Where are you in WI?  My family is from the Fox valley.

Good luck,
Jake

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM] On Behalf Of
Jim Stout
Sent: Thursday, March 16, 2006 9:25 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Frozen slave cylinder

Well it finally warmed up here in Wisconsin last weekend so I decided to
give the old Vanagon a little exercise.
To my dismay, I found that the cold weather must have done some damage to
the slave cylinder. There is a little
fluid on the garage floor under the rear of the van and I have no clutch
action. I am very inexperienced but after lurking
on this list for several months I've decided brave the replacement myself.
From looking through the archives I gather that I should replace the master
cylinder while I am at it. Is there anything else I should be replacing
while I have my wallet open?
In addition, there appears to be different kinds of master cylinders for
sale. Could someone recommend a specific brand or type?
Thanks
Jim Stout
1982 A/C 2L Westy-"Cyann"