Listees,

On my 84 Westfalia, I removed, dismantled, inspected, replaced a
Neoprene seal, and refitted the cylinder in the vanagon with little
difficulty.  The leaking seal was replaced by one from a $20.00
Raybestos kit from Pep Boys.  The large retaining ring, rubber dust
cover and the small , wire retaining ring-all parts of the kit- were not
needed.  In effect, I paid $20.00 for the neoprene seal.  I kept the old
seal with its numbers intact.  There must be a seal outlet in the real
world from which these things can be obtained for a few pence.

Using a Mityvac in its break bleeder configuration, I attempted to
"bleed" the cylinder.  The fitting on the MV  bleeder configuration
proved not to provide an air- tight fit, and I am certain that the
clutch cylinder still has air in it.  The clutch pedal falls to the
floor, feels mushyn when pumped,  and the transmission will not
engage..  Tomorrow, I'll rebleed the brakes with Teflon tape around the
threads of the bleeder valve and with a direct  fitting of the plastic
piping to the bleeder fitting.

In the process of removing and refitting the cylinder, I paid particular
attention to the position of the clutch release lever to make certain
that I left all components "as was' for reinstallation.

 In the refitting of the new part, I followed the examined the piston
and cylinder bore for scoring, rust, wear, distortion and any other
imperfections.  They were perfect. I maintained a clean room
environment, lubed the internal components,  and the piston moved freely
in the cylinder in the pre installation stage.

Other than the probably accurate diagnosis of air in the cylinder as a
result of my inadequate bleeding of the system, is there any other
probable cause for the failure of the cylinder to engage the clutch
release lever?

I'll reciprocate any information or suggestions, and I'll report the
outcome of this effort.

Tom Hanlon
Palm Springs, CA
84 Westfalia