Randy, the dirty accountant,

If you have 187k on the flywheel it is a VERY good idea to have it
resurfaced.

At least on the type4 motors, (I don't know it is the same on the WB) you
can alternatively lock the flywheel by inserting a fat screwdriver through
the timing hole in the block into one of the vent holes around the back
periphery of the flywheel. Have a helper hold the screw driver while you
use a strong socket & long breaker bar to release the flywheel, which is
torqued (again, T4) to 80+ lb/ft.

As far as the cleanliness thing goes, there are a couple tricks that help.
First, ALWAYS powerwash the underside of the van before working on it. I
usually do this every few months, just to keep it free of road grime, but
always use a thorough degreaser/powerwash in the areas I will work in...
Second, buy a set of military mechanic's coveralls, and a cotton bandana
(do-rag, drug helmet, gang flag). The bandana may make you look like a
wash-up, but your head will be clean when you are done. The coveralls have
lots of pockets, thick material to protect your skin, and at the end of
your task, you can strip them off and be bodily clean. After a half-day
soaking in laudry soap/degreaser, they come spakling clean for the next
go-around.
Finally, but a couple dozen vinyl/latex? mechanic's gloves. These will keep
your hands clean, and also offer some protection from burns and scrapes on
your delicate, money-counting hands.
Best o' luck on the flywheel job.

Cheers,

G. Matthew Bulley
Director
Bulley-Hewlett & Associates
www.bulley-hewlett.com
Cary, NC USA
888.468.4880 tollfree

-----Original Message-----
From:   Randy Huyck [SMTP:Fritz_H@MSN.COM]
Sent:   Wednesday, August 18, 1999 1:34 AM
To:     vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject:        Flywheel Resurfacing

In the middle of replacing the clutch on my '85.  How crucial is it that I
have the flywheel resurfaced?  If it is crucial, how do I remove the
blasted
thing?  Is it common to be able to rent the flywheel locking tool they show
in the Bentley?  It's 10:30PM right now, so I can't exactly call the rental
shops.

On a side note, this is the messiest job I've performed on any of my VW's,
ever.  It's as though all 187,000 miles worth of dirt on the bottom of the
van, engine, and transmission have been transferred to my skin.  I am now
the greasiest accountant in the free world, and that's saying something...

Randy, Carla & Anna Huyck, Olympia, WA
'75 Rustfalia
'85 Vanagon GL
'90 Fox GL