-- [ From: John H. Rodgers * EMC.Ver #2.5.02 ] --

Hi, I'm a newbie on the list, been lurking about and decided to get with it.

Just a little about my machine -- bought it 5 years ago in Alaska with 115,
00 miles on it. Got a VERY good price, due to a power steering rack that was
leaking like a sieve, and nobody knew what to do with it and local VW dealer
wanted $1200 just to R&R the unit. Found I had a back door connection and
got a kit for it along with  expert advice and installed the kit and put
unit back in vehicle. No problems since.

I now have 200,000 mi. on it and in that time have replaced water pump,
hydraulic pump(steering) and muffler, plus a brake job somewhere along the
way. Never had any head problems, driest engine of any kind I have ever had
(crossed fingers). Operated in Alaska winters just fine. The stock dual
heaters(hot water) have served well. The only concession I made to the cold
on the machine was to buy studded tires for winter. Lived in Alaska 23 years
and never owned a studded tire until the Van. The first time we had ice on
the road the year I bought it, the brick unexpectedly performed a brodie in
the middle of the highway and I went straight from the brodie to the tire
company. After that never a problem. For a used machine it has been very
good to me.

Though registered in Alaska, still my home, I drove it to Alabama this year.
 I and the van will spend a lot of time touring until spring when it begins
to thaw in the north and I can start back up the Alaska Hiway. In the
meantime, a problem has arisen.

Couple of days ago the clutch failed to completely disengage. Couldn't
easily shift gears. Used the old trick I learned long ago with my Beatle and
my '68 Bread Box, about shifting with the synchro transmission. I got to my
temporary quarters OK, but have this clutch problem to deal with. Since it
is a hydraulic master/slave setup, can anyone tell me how to trouble shoot
the thing. I've done a lot of the old clutch cable changes, but this is new,
and my original VW service manual I so highly prized is history( a whole
other sad and sordid story).

 I first want to assure myself that the problem is really between the clutch
pedal and the transmission clutch arm, not in the tranny or clutch itself.
Anyone got any suggestions on how to isolate this, then deal with the
problem, once identified. Would appreciate any assistance.

Are there any  Vanagon repair shops in or around the Birmingham, Alabama
area that are reputable and can be recommended for getting the work done. I
have done a lot of my own work in the past but I am not where I can now, and
I am not into having someone else doing their learning on my vehicle.

And finally, it would be desirable to replace/rebuild my engine this winter
while I am in the south, so would also be interested in locating a competent
engine shop in the area(region?) as well.

Thanks

John Rodgers