neil N wrote:
> If the release bearing turns easily, but doesn't spin a lot and/or it
> rattles while doing it) then it should be fine. I'm pretty sure that
> under normal conditions, a release bearing should be good for *at
> least* 25k miles.
>
> Is the needle (pilot) bearing in good shape?
>
> IIRC, that part is not too much money and is something easily
> overlooked when one replaces the clutch. Personally I replaced that
> and the felt ring when I did my clutch.
>
> Hopefully a receipt of work you had done will show if this part replaced or not.
>
>
A good point. I do  have the receipts buried somewhere. It was not my
intention to go near the clutch, just keep a big clean rag over it, and
avoid it at all costs :-) I am waiting to see the bad head once its off,
to decide how far this process will go.

It is a convenient time to replace a torn CV boot, and the slave
cylinder erupted while the van was just sitting in the garage waiting
for my back to  heal a bit and do this project. I suppose its good
fortune it happened in the garage, but with only 2K miles on it, and the
master, I am very dissapointed to be plinking down more coin for yet
another one.

But I digress :-) Thanks for the suggestions. I appreciate you time and
efforts to help.

John