Date:         Thu, 26 Jul 2001 22:08:11 -0500
Reply-To:     John Rodgers <jhrodgers@CHARTER.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Rodgers <jhrodgers@CHARTER.NET>
Subject:      Re: clutch problem!
Comments: To: Dino Oliva <doliva2@HOME.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Are you replacing the whole clutch.....pressure plate, clutch disk, etc?
I put in a new Sachs clutch package and it failed inside of 10,000
miles. The "O" ring seal - also know as the flywheel seal,  began to
seep, allowing oil on the clutch disk, which caused slippage, which
fried the disk.

I opted for a complete new assembly ... Sachs...with new pressure plate.
If the plate gets hot due to slippage caused by the leaking oil seal,
the heat weakens the pressure plate springs.

One thing. Be absolutely certain that you have the flywheel face
re-surfaced, before the new clutch goes in. Especially if you had a
failure within 2000 miles of use. It's a must do!! Don't let anyone sell
you on doing it different. In situations like this, I beleive in
bringing everything up to peak. That way there should be no surprises.

Good Luck.

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver

> Dino Oliva wrote:
>
> YIKES!!  I have a 1984 Vanagon that had 85,000 miles my first
> clutch... problem is that every 2000 miles the replacement clutch goes
> out. VW Int'l says  I obvoiusly don't know how to drive a van. (Yeah,
> Right) I got 85k outta the first one- and 2000 out of the next five.
> I've been the only driver for all this time - and am fairly sure I
> know how to drive. there are 190,000 miles on my baby. I would love
> some advise if anyone has any for me. I love my bus. I know you love
> yours too. So help a fellow v-dubber. Thanks guys! doliva2@home.com