Gary,

Keep a close eye on the fluid level. You may have a leak somewhere.

I had a similar problem with my 85 GL. The system, is designed so that
if the fluid level gets low, the brake warning light comes on.  If the
van is new to you, or you have had it a very long time and not done this
- do the following.

Bleed and flush ALL hydraulic lines. That includes both break and clutch
lines. You will be amazed and the crude - and water - you will get out
of the system.

When  the fluid level gets low, the low fluid warning light will flash,
and as more fluid is lost the light will come on and hold steady.

Since both brakes and clutch are operated from the same fluid tank, a
safety factor was built in. Brakes are a safety item, so the clutch is
the first thing to go as the fluid level drops. Then the brakes will
follow as more fluid is lost. But the warning light is there to help
prevent just such a problem.

The vehicle with a manual transmission can always be started, and
driven, without the clutch working at all, due to the nature of the
synchro mesh transmission. This was true of the beetles and loafs as well.

To start with no clutch, work the shifter and get it out of gear and
into neutral, then work it into first gear. Engage the starter. There is
enough troque in that starter to move the van with starter only. As soon
as the engine starts, back off on the switch and let the starter
disengage, but keep a little gas going so as not to stall the engine.
Once you are rooling, there is a shift point for each gear, based on the
engine speed. You kind of have to feel for it, but it does work. You can
go through all four gears that way. Not recommended as regular practice,
but it will get you home in an emergency.

Regards,

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver

Gary Watts wrote:
> Thanks for everyone on the list that helped.   The fluid was below
> minimum.  Once we put in the right amount of brake fluid, the clutch
> worked again like a charm.  I must say, that is the dumbest place I
> have ever seen to put a place to put in fluid. :)   I'll be heading
> out this week to buy the repair book and will find lots of other
> "interesting" things as well.
>
> -Gary
> Kenmore, WA
>
>