Spray the debris out with WD-40, clean the flywheel with brake cleaner or lacquer thinner, grease it back up and chamfer the end of the input shaft. 

I once had a 4wd Blazer I replaced the clutch on. I installed a sintered bronze bushing backward (chamfer in) and that very heavy tranny simply would not go in. It had smashed in the edges of the pilot bearing so bad it never would, but you don't have that problem!

Stuart

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Neil N
Sent: Wednesday, October 04, 2017 5:07 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Determine if new pilot bearing needs replacement?

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>