Actually a brilliant idea... the clutch fluid takeoff is higher than the
brake fluid takeoff, so if you lose fluid, you lose the clutch (van won't
*go*) before you lose the brakes (van won't *stop*... crunch).

Sounds like the problem is a leaky brake master cylinder.

At 07:41 PM 7/23/2006 -0700, John Lane wrote:
>Well, the clutch and brakes share the same reservoir..(dumb idea). If your
>clutch master cylinder, which is below the brake master cylinder is
>leaking..it will leak out brake fluid too....on the floor...like mine
>did..if the level is low enough, it might cause hissing from the
>resvervoir. Gotta figure out which one is leaking.
>
>John
>
>
>----- Original Message ----
>From: Jeff Lincoln <magikvw@GMAIL.COM>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Sent: Sunday, July 23, 2006 10:33:40 PM
>Subject: Brakes!!! Urg!
>
>
>OK gang - brake fluid on the driver's side floor by the brake pedal - Master
>Cylinder? I hear hissing when from the reservoir area when pressing the
>brakes in.
>
>Second questions - could this possible failure cause the caliper pistons to
>not go back in after pressing the brake pedal? Or do I need two new
>caliper's as well? If so any chance anyone has a good source for rebuilt
>calipers? I can't handle the $125 a piece right now....
>
>By the way on a good note thanks to this list I do have the bus running and
>have those beautiful round headlights in the 86' now. Thanks.
>
>--
>Thanks,
>
>Jeff