Replace if needed - otherwise service your CV's, install new boots.

When installing the new clutch and mating it to the engine - be advised
there is a little felt washer that fits over the main shaft needle
bearing in the end of the crankshaft and there is a NLA brass/bronze
bushing that fits into the flywheel. When the tranny, flywheel, clutch
are all assembled to the engine - the brass busing is supposed to hold
the felt washer in place to retain the bearing grease. Many will tell
you that brass busing is not necessary, but I maintain that it is, and
there will be others in my camp on this. When flywheels are resurfaced
at the machine shop, that bushing is typically popped out, and never
replaced. the flywheel comes back to the repair shop missing the
bushing, it is not noticed, and the whole thing assembled without it -
setting the stage for early failure. Make a serious effort to find one
of those bushings. Without the protection of the brass bushing the felt
washer wears out, gets grit in it and fails allowing the grit into the
bearing causing premature bearing failure. BTDT!

John Rodgers
Clayartist and Moldmaker
88'GL VW Bus Driver
Chelsea, AL
Http://www.moldhaus.com

Ry wrote:
> First time poster. I am in the middle of replacing the original engine and
> transmission in my 1991 Vanagon.  This is after long thought on putting a
> Subaru motor, however for cost reasons mostly I'm sticking with all VW for
> the next couple years.
>
> So far I've pulled both my engine and transmission out. I have a rebuilt
> transmission from Daryl at AA Transaxle( the core will be returned shortly!
> if you're reading Daryl)  I am waiting for my rebuilt engine to arrive.
>
> Things I have decided to replace while doing this.
> Fuel lines (all inside the engine compartment)
> fuel injector seals
> exhaust gasket
> distributor O-ring
> intake gaskets
> all water hoses
> clutch/pressure plate/release bearing
>
> Things i'm considering
> rebuilt injectors
> throttle body
> O2 sensor
> Cat(mine is rattling...not sure if this is normal)
>
> Any advice on other things to inspect/replace NOW while everything is out of
> the van?
>
> if you're bored here is my web album of progress
> http://picasaweb.google.com/rylincoln/Vanagon#
> -Ry
> http://www.google.com/profiles/rylincoln
>
>
>