The van has sat since any work was done - like September last year.
The brake fluid was changed. It was nasty. It may need to be changed
again - but I wouldn't think so. But, whatever it takes......

Perhaps even the rear brake cylinders need changing out - though there
is o leakage. Just dunno. I really hate to think about having to change
out the booster. Changing the maser cylinder is not to much of a biggie.

John

John Rodgers
Clayartist and Moldmaker
88'GL VW Bus Driver
Chelsea, AL
Http://www.moldhaus.com

On 6/15/2011 10:49 PM, Scott Daniel - Turbovans wrote:
> hi John,
> you say 'brake fluid is up'...
> but you didn't start driving a van that's been sitting 10 years and
> not immediately change the brake fluid did you ???
> I even change the brake fluid on my parts vans when I get them..
> that's how old and watery bf gets sitting for years.
> And how very bad it is for the brake components to have watery brake
> fluid in them..
> it just ruins them.
>
> so if you have not ..
> do change the brake fluid.
> if you use a manual method ...........don't stroke the brake pedal
> very far..
> no lower than half way down.
>
> it's not sounding good ..
> but in all cases..
> changing brake fluid is a *diagnostic* procedure ..
> not just a service procedure.
> How it acts when you do that ........tells you a lot.
>
> I prefer a manual bleed method as you can easily feel and tell what
> the MC is doing ..
> like if it's pumping air or not.
>
> re the booster..
> mainly you make sure the whole rest of the brakes are good..
> and that vacuum is getting to the booster..
> and then after that you can start thinking about if it's faulty or not.
>
> maybe your brake fluid is so watery you could make tea with it.
> but I hope not !~
> Scott
> www.turbovans.com
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "John Rodgers" <inua@CHARTER.NET>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Wednesday, June 15, 2011 7:58 PM
> Subject: Weak Brakes - '88GL
>
>
>>  Today I drove Ol' Blue, my #2  '88GL with manual tranny. This is my
>> project van that I rescued after being stored 10 years. Brake fluid is
>> up, no leaks at each brake, good parking brakes - but with engine
>> running the pedal goes almost to the floor. It;s like the vacuum booster
>> for the brakes is boosting. On Ol' Red, with foot on the brake pedal,
>> when the engine starts, I can feel the pedal move as the booster kicks
>> in. Not so on Ol' Blue. When rolling, the brakes are pretty weak, and
>> the pedal is almost on the floor. I have noticed that when I put on the
>> brake, it feels like the brake pedal arm scrubs against something.
>>
>> Anyone have any suggestions as to what the problem might be - and how to
>> approach it.
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> John
>>
>> --
>> John Rodgers
>> Clayartist and Moldmaker
>> 88'GL VW Bus Driver
>> Chelsea, AL
>> Http://www.moldhaus.com
>
>
>