In a message dated 02/06/2010 1:43:54 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:

        Jack, actually that's a  very common problem.  That flex plate VW
used is too weak.  The only  option is to find a good used one, inspect it
carefully to see that there are no  cracks beginning around the hub.  The bell
housing should be easily  repaired by any welder who can weld cast iron,
not a big problem.

>>>>The mechanic pulled apart the motor / trans on our  friends 90 Westy
2.1,
discovered that the "flex plate"/ Fly wheel
blew  up!  Basically ruptured and caused everything to stop abruptly...
auto
trans bell-housing
cracked in 5 places, and needs a new Flex Plate.  (anyone have a source for
this?).

Motor still turns, haven't tried  to start it.

They are quoting big bucks to change auto trans or weld  bell housing, if
trans is OK.

What could have caused the flex plate  to break-up?

Any suggestions on a course of  action?<<<<<<<

Cheers,

Frank  Condelli
Almonte, Ontario, Canada
'87 Westy & Lionel Trains (_Collection for sale_
(http://frankcondelli.com/trainsal.htm) )
_Frank Condelli &  Associates_ (http://frankcondelli.com/busindex.html)  -
Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa Valley
_Vanagon Stainless Steel Exhaust  Systems_
(http://frankcondelli.com/exhaust.htm)
_BusFusion_ (http://www.busfusion.com/)  a VW Camper  camping event,
Almonte, ON, June 10 ~ 13,  2010