massive end float

[streetboy]

Ok a question. My case has massive end float and I would like some probables please.
I'm sure its not the shims as it was rebuilt and all was fine for about 600 miles, from running spot on one day the end float just appeared.

was a rebuilt case and assume shimmed correctly, is there anything internally it could be? or loose dowels etc?

 

[Analog]

how much is massive? wouldn't think anything could be loose

who built it? any warranty or anything?

 

[streetboy]

Hi Analog, if you get hold of the pulley and pull it fairly clonks forward between a 1/4 to a 1/2 inch :shock:
It was enough to make the engine run awful, misfire and popping big time and would not idle. No case damage and no oil leak from seal :?
Sadly no warranty as brought from a guy who brought it a year ago and never used it.
built by a 'Stevens' near Wraysbury in Middlesex ( nr Staines) I believe.

I want to rebuild it and use as a spare so any ideas for what to look out for on pulling the case apart would be greatful

 

[dubdubz]

get the tom wilson book - it's very good.

 

[streetboy]

get the tom wilson book - it's very good.

I try to find one

Is there anything in the case that holds the crank? ie thrust washers etc?

 

[dubdubz]

get the tom wilson book - it's very good.

I try to find one

Is there anything in the case that holds the crank? ie thrust washers etc?

the main bearing and the shim pack bolted to the flywheel kinda all work together to keep the crank where it should be.........'m wondering of your crank has snapped/broke in 2?? :shock:
although I'm not sure it would actually rotate I'm thinking it would seize?? The end float sounds a lot, I'm not sure if you've spun the rear bearing and it's no longer holding in the case that you'd get that much. I'm building a 1600 right now and with no shim pack in the movement is about 3mm [guess]

you could drain the oil and see what's in it - large metal chunks are not good!

beyond that it's drop and open up time........if you can wait 3-5 days you can borrow my book for cost of post but it'll probably work out almost as cheap to buy one!

well not quite but a worthwhile book to have anyway..........
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rebuild-Your-Volkswagen-Air-cooled-Engine/dp/0895862255" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[streetboy]

if you can wait 3-5 days you can borrow my book for cost of post but it'll probably work out almost as cheap to buy one!

thats a very kind offer dubdubz but no need, i'll find one from somewhere

Cranks no broken and nor does it appear to have spun the bearing in the case which makes it all rather odd. deffo no iron filings in the oil drop, clean :? The case is just sat on a bench now, stripped as I used the new b+p's and heads for my old case. Thats running fine after seals, gaskets and assembly.
I think it could be the flywheel not seating right, dowels could be loose and working it loose? I did tighten it all up at ones stage, refitted, started it and bang straight away, back to huge float. Then decided something was wrong with it and used my old case.

 

[mattp]

get the tom wilson book - it's very good.

As Darren says the book is well worth the money. All I would ad it don't run the engine anymore and tear it down to find the problem. I re-built a T1 engine a couple / 3 years back and other than making sure things are clean (as in totally cleanust a matter of time and measurement

Good luck

 

[streetboy]

cheers Matt, I will find the problem and hopefuly sort it. The bottom end has had new bearings, shells etc so worth cleaning my old heads up and fitting new rings to the pistons etc.

 

[dubdubz]

it maybe the case has had a thrust cut [or 2!] in it's life, it doesn't explain the sudden endfloat though..........

I seem to remember the case being 22mm as std ? so a 1mm thrust cut takes it to 21mm, pretty sure thats the measurements.

note the dowels in the flywheel as in their relative depth, it maybe as you suggest and the flywheel isn't fully home due to an obstruction on or nr to the dowels? I'm guessing here and they could be bad guesses so suggest as before buy the book [or borroow ]

the other possiblity is the rear bearing is moving because it isn't a thrust cut version? the case when originally tightened may have been enough to hold it tight, with some wear this has allowed the 'real' movement.......again a guess....... :lol:

without pics or seeing in the flesh, there are only a few people I'd trust to remote diagnose engine probs!!

good luck

 

[Trikky2]

Unless the flywheel has come loose, massive endfloat like that can only occur if the main bearing at the flywheel end has been damaged and /or the case itself. All will become clear when you split the case.

 

[streetboy]

the other possiblity is the rear bearing is moving because it isn't a thrust cut version? the case when originally tightened may have been enough to hold it tight, with some wear this has allowed the 'real' movement.......

Could be that, as it only happened on the drive it has not had time to chew everything up as such, and could well be sliding 'to and fro'

Thanks for the replies guys it is a puzzle and as suggested all with be revealed when its split I guess. For a point of interest it is a AS41 case with 10mm head studs. Does that throw any light on what kind of rear crank bearing it has?