One other trick is to bleed the driver's side front wheel first, since it has the shortest path and least resistance.  Then go to the farthest wheel and then in order of distance. Finish with the driver's side front wheel again. 

Also, flexible brake lines can swell inside and provide resistance to bleeding.  They can act as a one way valve too, keeping the brake applied. 

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