Hi all

During an engine install attempt (with somewhat aggressive engine
jostling by me), the engine would not fully seat into the transaxle.
Reason: input shaft was bumping up against the new pilot bearing.
Close up images showing metal shavings from input shaft left on pilot
bearing:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/XIxuSnBR6BeH8IaD2
https://photos.app.goo.gl/cgUgkXklgmdXsNd32

I don't see any obvious damage to the pilot bearing but how can I
determine if the bearing is still ok or not?

This is for a Jetta engine into my 1988 Westy. I cut the transaxle
input shaft to correct length but only put a mild chamfer at shaft
end. It is now painfully clear to me why VW chamfered the end of the
input shaft. It allows for minor angle differences between engine and
tranny during install. Basically, the input shaft end taper introduces
more easily into the pilot bearing. A square end at input shaft,
won't. Especially considering that the OD and ID are very close.

Thanks

Neil.

--
Neil n

Blog: Vanagons, Westfalia, general <http://tubaneil.blogspot.ca>

1988 Westy Images <https://picasaweb.google.com/musomuso/New1988Westy>

1981 Westfalia "Jaco" Images, technical <http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/>

Vanagon-Bus VAG Gas Engine Swap Group <http://tinyurl.com/khalbay>