you didn't bench bleed the master cylinder.
no master cylinder will move fluid  ( if new ) until it's been 'bench bled'
either on the work bench, or on the van.

btw. the vanaogon is about the only car or van there is in which you can
bench bleed the master cylinder by yourself with it mounted in place.
scott
www.turbovans.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "pete" <pete952@COMCAST.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, July 16, 2008 3:42 PM
Subject: Master Cylinder - Help!

80 Westy - installed a rebuilt brake MC from a list vendor - the male from
the servo and the female on the MC are mated. I fill the reservoir and pump
the pedal - the reservoir stays at the same level and there is no brake
resistance. Any ideas? Please?

TIA

Pete