The way I understood it is VW calls for .004 endplay, so that when the
engine is warmed up and the metal has expanded there is -0- endplay. If the
engine started with -0- endplay, when warm it would be harder for the
crankshaft to turn.

If when the engine is back in the van and driven till it is good and warmed
up, then parked and the spark plugs pulled out. If the engine still turns
over easily by hand, then maybe there is not an end play problem? It would
just be a drag if the engine was hard to turn then and you needed to take it
back apart.

(Have you tried yanking on the pulley end of the engine to see if you can
find the end play?)

I'm not an expert- just my 2 cents worth,

Mark Ingalls

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