Loosing vacuum assist.
Things that come to mind are .........

Small hole in the vacuum line between engine and vac brake booster
Faulty/worn brake booster
Vacuum pump or check valve issue,
Worn out engine, even though it runs.

I'm assuming firm pedal, but high effort, when it's 'doing it.'
Scott
www.turbovans.com

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Mark Drillock
Sent: Wednesday, January 23, 2008 4:35 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Brake Problem , 82 Westy

A few days ago I acquired an 82 Westy that had been mostly parked for a
couple years. 1.9NA, 5 speed. The brakes mostly work ok driving around
but if I put the tranny in neutral as I slow for a stop the brakes will
be ok for the first push of the pedal but not if I let up and push again
right away. The pedal stops moving at about the same place but the
brakes don't slow the vehicle much.

Same going down hill, if I push in the clutch the brakes work for one
push but not after that.

Any ideas?

thanks,
Mark
82 Westy 1.6 replaced with 1.9D-NA