If the alternator pulley is one piece, then it is the wrong one and that
is most likely the problem. The flywheel is located between the engine
and transmission. The part on the back of the crankshaft is the pulley.
It is not adjustable by shimming as there is a step grove on the bottom
with an o ring to keep oil from leaking through the center. Does the
crank pulley line up with the water pump? If so, then find out what is
wrong with the alternator.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of James Benthall
Sent: Saturday, August 06, 2005 1:14 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Shimming Main Flywheel?

Hi all,
Well I have finally decided that the uneven wear that is chewing up one
alternator
belt after another is from my main flywheel not being in alignment.  I
recently replaced
the pulley on my alternator (nifty looking gold stainless steel one now
;-)
but the belts
are still wearing unevenly.  I believe that if I shim out the main
flywheel
it will solve my
problem.  Question is how hard a job is this?  If I manage to get the
nut
off, does anyone
know what diameter the shaft is and where I could find a shim of that
size?
I'm thinking
I should start off with a very small shim, like 1/16" or 1/32".  And I
think
I can borrow a
torque wrench from a local auto parts store to give the correct torque.
Thanks for any
advice on this matter.
James in Houston
87 Westy (the Phoenix)