The "half-moon" that he is talking about is most likely the eccentric on the clutch shaft. The throwout bearing rides against this section of the shaft. The eccentrics do wear slowly, but I don't know about failing suddenly. I'd keep the money in your wallet. A picture of the shaft and throwout bearing can be seen at http://volksweb.relitech.com/tech/clutch/t-outbrg.jpg What the mechanic may have been thinking of is that on the air-cooled VW Bugs, if you install a heavier clutch, you should also upgrade to a heavier (fully welded/complete circle) throwout shaft. Those *do* have a history of breaking under extra load. But once again, I have never heard about it happening in a Vanagon. TomC tcarrington@relitech.com http://volksweb.relitech.com -----Original Message----- From: Russell Talbot [mailto:Russell_Talbot@MONITOR.COM] Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2000 10:56 AM To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM Subject: Clutch Question When I bought it, I took it to the only local mechanic (that I've been able to find) who specializes in Vanagons to check it out. He agreed that it was in beautiful shape (part of the reason why I ended up buying it!) but recommended that I replace the clutch even though it wasn't slipping. The clutch is slightly heavy (nothing compared to my '87 Mustang GT, but probably heavier than most other cars that I've driven). Since I was low on cash at the time and since the vehicle was driving well, I didn't do anything about it. Over new years I'll be going on a bit of a road trip, and figure I should make sure the van is in good health, so I brought it by the mechanic again and asked more about why he thought the clutch needed replacing. Hopefully I can pass on the jist of what he was saying even though I don't know if I fully understand or buy it. He said that when the clutch pedal is pressed, that force pushes against the driveshaft which is held in place inside the engine block with a half moon. This spot is not particularly strong, so the more pressure that is placed on it, the more likely it is to give out. and wreck all sorts of havoc in the engine. The logic, then, is that a very light clutch would put much less pressure on the driveshaft. if a clutch is heavy, you have to push harder on it, and therefore more force is pushing the driveshaft against this half moon that keeps the driveshaft in the engine block. So he recommends that I get a new clutch. I told him that I would have to think about it. |
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