Date:         Sun, 16 Jun 2002 02:42:33 -0400
Reply-To:     Ben <huotx@VIDEOTRON.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ben <huotx@VIDEOTRON.CA>
Subject:      Re: Second mainshaft seal failure....
Comments: To: "Thomas D. Hanlon" <hanran@earthlink.net>
Comments: cc: mark drillock <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>,
          Ken Wilfey <KENWILFY@AOL.COM>,
          Kenneth Wilford <kenwilfy@comcast.net>,
          AA Transaxle <aatransaxle@JUNO.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Hi Tom,

First, did you use a OEM seal? If not you should!

Second, the stupid VW design call for a shim adjustment, did you
double-check that? But that still doesn't justify the leak. The shaft must
be pitted or the seal is not the right size. This is not the invention of
the wheel; it's a seal on a shaft. I did not play with the vanagon
transmission but I did over 40 clutches and seal change in my life and never
I had a leaking problem after.

Use OEM parts in that section of the engine; basically you should always use
OEM parts on and around the engine.

Something sound bizarre about those shim, did you read the Bentley carefully
about this section. You need to verify the crankshaft wear.

If the first seal was torn apart you have 2 choice, pitted crankshaft or a
wrong installation of the clutch components and shims. Period

Keep me up to date.

Regards, Ben


"Thomas D. Hanlon" wrote:

> Listees,
>
> Can someone suggest the cause/causes of failure of  main shaft seals in
> conjunction with clutch replacement work?
>
> I have installed a complete LUK clutch kit, successfully, "almost," and
> I've reinstalled the transmission main shaft seal, twice. I used no
> lubricant nor sealant in conjunction with the installation of the
> mainshaft seal.  (See post "OOPs..Leaking transmission after clutch
> replacement.") The first replaced seal was distressed/torn/ripped around
> the interior, that part which surrounds the main shaft. The condition of
> the second seal is unknown, at this time. The transmission is leaking at
> the junction of the engine and the bell housing. "Once more into the
> breach..."
>
> The transmission was twice removed and reinstalled, gently, and
> precisely, using two floor jacks, without any apparent stress of the
> main shaft. (Thank you, Stan). The main shaft appears to be damage-free.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Tom Hanlon
> Palm Springs, CA
> 84 Westfalia