There is a specification for how much material can be taken off the clutch
surface. If you take of too much, than the springs in the center of the
clutch disc can hit the center of the flywheel as it wears. Proper flywheel
rebuilding may include actually metal spraying to build up the clutch wear
surface and then it should also be re-balanced.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Mike
Sent: Saturday, May 09, 2009 9:30 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: rusty flywheel

  The main deciding factor is the condition of the nose, which is the area
where the rear main oil seal rides.  The rest can be glass-beaded to bare
steel (masking off the oil seal area to keep it mirror-smooth!), then put on
a flywheel grinding machine.
  They'll be resurfacing the clutch disc surface and then they need to take
a corresponding amount off of the step surface where the pressure plate
bolts on.  This second step is important to keep the stock clearances for
proper adjustment and to get full life of the disk.  Without that, it's like
starting out new with a thinner, worn disk, and it'll start slipping sooner.
  Some machinists will also take cut off the sides of the starter teeth to
renew the chipped teeth to square edges.

Mike B.
  ----- Original Message -----
  From: Jack R.
  To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
  Sent: Friday, May 08, 2009 5:06 PM
  Subject: Re: rusty flywheel

  Ben,

  Provided the rust isn't too deep, and that you haven't resurfaced
before...
  I don't see why not.
  The machine shop will be able to access the damage, and make a good
  recommendation.

  Jack R.

  -----Original Message-----
  From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
  Ben S
  Sent: Friday, May 08, 2009 3:50 PM
  To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
  Subject: rusty flywheel

  the 2.1L wbx engine that i'm about to install in my westy sat for a
  few years and the flywheel got pretty rusty.  is there any reason i
  can't just have it resurfaced at a machine shop and then drop it in?
  end play is in spec.

  photo at:
  http://www.flickr.com/photos/bs_pix/3512545587/