backed out flywheel bolt?

[MK1Scirocco16v at comcast.net (Dave Ewing)]

I hate to say this, Drew, but I would suspect the thrust bearing before a
backed out flywheel bolt.  Reduced endplay has the symptoms that you
described.  I hope it is clutch related but an easy way to check is to start
your car then manually rev it up and down looking down at the front pulley.
If you can see the pulley move in and out then it's the thrust bearing.  The
endplay specs are so slight that you shouldn't be able to see the pulley
move in and out (maybe very slightly) when they are serviceable.

The fix isn't too bad but there are a few choices if the thrust bearing is
bad.

1st, you could find a used crank and install new rod and main bearings

2nd, you could have the crank welded and reground probably to .10 under then
use undersized bearings

3rd, you could use this as an excuse to upgrade or overhaul the motor

Let us know what you find out.  I hope it is the clutch!!!

Dave
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Drew Teague" <roccnroll@hotmail.com>
To: <scirocco-l@scirocco.org>
Sent: Monday, August 25, 2003 8:20 PM
Subject: backed out flywheel bolt?


> I think one of my flywheel bolts backed out.  The symptoms:  A slight
> grinding sound from the engine when idling, and when driving, the sound is
> most pronounced when letting off throttle, either in gear or not.  With
> clutch in, there doesn't seem to be any sound at all.  Also, my clutch
pedal
> feels a little spongy, and kind of "pops" (above average resistance for a
> second, then ok)  I'm guessing it's flywheel/ pressure plate related, but
> has anyone else experienced these symptoms before I pull the tranny?
>
> Thanks.
>
> **Drew Teague**
> Harrisburg, PA
>
> '84 8v Rocco --  "Bruise"
> '85 BMW 318i
>
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