The clutch rod will never need to be adjusted.  Even after changing the
master.  Try bleeding the clutch slave cylinder.  May be vapor locked due to
the brake fluid never being changed, absorbing moisture, than vaporizing due
to engine/Trans heat.  Other possibility is that the pressure plate is
failing.  This is fairly common with this clutch.
  Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Robert S. Williams, MD <rwill@DIGITECHS.COM>
To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM <Vanagon@VANAGON.COM>
Date: Friday, August 07, 1998 12:18 PM
Subject: Need Help adjusting clutch master cylinder

>OK... I tried but just can't seem to get a wrench on the locknut for the
>clutch master cylinder pushrod; the rod that connects the clutch pedal to
>the clutch master cylinder piston.
>
>I had a problem with clutch drag emerge during a 3000 mile trip.  When
>shifting into 3rd or 4th gears, the gears grab ala "if ya can't find em,
>grind em" ... this is with the clutch fully depressed. the brake fluid
>resevoir has been at the same level for a year. I can't see any break fluid
>leaks at either the clutch master or slave cylinders. I _do_ detect some
>play in depressing the clutch pedal...some free travel before the pedal
>engages. So, I figure that I need to adjust the clutch master cylinder
>connecting rod. The problem is that it is nearly impossible to get at it.
>THe clutch master cylinder is situated between the brake and clutch pedals
>in a recess... I can barely visualize the locknut in question using a
>mirror when the clutch pedal is depressed fully... ANd I can't get a wrench
>around that locknut to save my life.
>
>Has anyone managed to preform this feat? If so, PLEASE tell me how to do
>it. This adjustment is my only hope of a cheap cure. I might take a stab at
>bleeding the clutch hydraulic system, but after that it's off to the VW
>surgeons   to pull the engine and put a new throwout bearing and overhaul
>the  whole clutch.
>
>
>
>                                        Robert S. Williams, MD
>                                        '82 Aircooled Westie