In reply to montyjohn:
> From what you've said, it sounds like your bleeding top to bottom. If this is the case, how did you particularly bleed it? Sounds like it worked for a few pumps then somehow blocked the inlet.
To attempt the bleeding, I opened the slave bleed screw and pumped clutch pedal a few times. Fluid was coming through but now I'd guess it was just residual fluid in the line between master and slave getting pumped out. Can't be sure but I felt it didn't draw anything from the reservoir from the off. Then did a few repetitions of depress clutch, close bleed screw, release clutch, open bleed screw. I realised something was up doing this as even with vacuum created, master cylinder wasn't drawing from reservoir (level staying constant) and could hear/sense air being taken in at slave bleed nut when opened.
> I assume when you removed the piston you could blow air through the inlet to confirm it's not a casting defect.
No, when cylinder is fully removed and piston drawn back, cannot blow air through (even at 30psi+!) I'm picking up another new one tomorrow... I'll be delighted if, when I get my hands on it, I can blow through it and all the trouble's been caused by a casting defect. (I'd be surprised though as I'd have though VW/Audi parts would have better QC than to allow such a defect to pass?)
> Is the main seal deformed and blocking the inlet?
Possibly I suppose...though it felt like the piston was sliding inside the cylinder happily enough which I guess would be indicative of seal being ok...
> Honestly a little stumped on this one.
I'm completely stumped. I'll be surprised if it's down to a defective part as mentioned above but equally, I'll be surprised (and very confused) if it's down to anything else. Ready to move on in life now!
Thanks for your reply.