Dean & All-
      I have personal experince with this problem and the debate.   My
MG Midget goes through clutches like its no tommorrow!  With me they
usually last about 7k miles, yep that's it!  Each time it is not the
clutch that fails.  It is as dean suggested, the throwout bearings.  My
mechanic says that the only time the bearings are being worn down is
when the clutch is engaged(pushed to the floor).  He rags on me and
tells me not to wait at stop signs/lights stomped on the clutch.  I
don't and the bearings still wear out!  The reason is because the
technology is old and the bearing are graphite or something like that
that wear out easily.  Nobody has made a better aftermarket one yet!
    With the vanagon, The bearing are better and very well last longer
than the clutch itself.  BUT, you are putting undo wear on the throwout
bearings by waiting with the clutch to the floor and in 1st gear.  So
my MG mechanic and I say a resounding: YES!  You are putting undo
stress on your poor van.  It doesn't hurt to be careful and nice to
your van by putting it in nuetral while you wait at a stop light!

have fun,
ADAM
'74 Midget
ISO Wolfie(getin' close!)
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