I have pulled engines out of three Air Cooled Vanagons with Automatic
Transmissions.
The pilot bushing was in every one of them.
However; If you doubt my words just pull the bearing out and you'll have
satisfied your requirements.
End play is not for the purpose of clutch pressure on the crank end. It is
for alignment of rods on the crank journals, proper spacing at the #1 main
thrust surface.
If you're changing Flywheel / Flex plate. You should probably check the
crank end play.
In situations where I have changed out flywheels I've needed to adjust the
end play with alternate shims.
Not likely that it is a NEW flywheel, just resurfaced and that is a $26.00
service at my local automotive machine shop. (It is a three cut procedure).

Stan Wilder

----- Original Message -----
From: "jesse johnson" <jjmojo@BLAZENET.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, May 07, 2004 8:28 PM
Subject: ok.. driveplate/flexplate question...New flywheel for sale...

> I had gotten conflicting answers to my question that i posted earlier
> so i am posting it again... just to make sure i have the right info..
> I have to convert my new engine from a manual trans setup to an auto
> trans setup... questions were.. do i have to remove the little guide
> bearing in the end of the crank that is there
> for the manual trans? i got a reply that the torque converter will not
> seat properly if it is not pulled out.. and second.. is.. do i still
> have to set the end play even though i am not using a clutch? I am
> fairly sure that i do.. but just want to make sure... also.. if anyone
> is in need of a new flywheel P-mail me with an offer...
> thanks everyone,
> jesse
> 89 carat