Well, there is air in the system someplace, probably in the master itself.  I've found the Vanagon system difficult to bleed without pressure bleeding, but you could try to purge the master by loosening the line connections and pumping the pedal gently until fluid leaks out.  Use rags to catch the fluid.

I also recommend using the best quality German parts, like the cylinder from Van Café, complete with brake light switches (they do fail). Cheap ones aren't worth installing. http://www.van-cafe.com/home/van/page_731_199/brake-master-cylinder-german.html 

Stuart

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Mike Riley
Sent: Wednesday, February 04, 2015 12:47 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: master cylinder problem thoughts?

I am on my second new master cylinder First was a beck-arnley and it squirted back into the reservoir on the down stroke, out it came now with my second different brand I have to pump the pedal once to get a pedal at the right height. No air in the system and the pedal is firm both at the low position and at the pummped position. Bled 3 separate times using 2 quarts fluid total and there is no air and no loss of fluid. this is my ninth van so I have done many brake jobs. New rear cylinders with the springs in them and brakes adjusted tight. I guess that I have received a bad master yet again?
thanks
   mike