Need Clarification on the Flywheel Test

[boulderick]

I'm in the middle of an IMS replacement, and trying to figure out if I have a good flywheel, or one that needs replacement. The Porsche test I got from the dealer says that you should be able to move the flywheel hub independently of the contact face by 15mm and, when you let it go, it should return to it's original orientation.

I can't find anything that tells me where the 15mm is measured. Is it at the hub, or at the edge of the flywheel?

My flywheel moves around 5mm before it gets to a very stiff-feeling springy region. In that 5mm it doesn't return to the previous position, it simply stays there. Beyond the 5mm it returns when you let go of it.

The pictures below show that 5mm movement.

Does this flywheel need to be replaced?

[JFP in PA]

You are measuring it in the wrong place; it is measured at the outside circumference of the flywheel. Check out the attached PDF of the Porsche TSB on the test procedures:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Boxster_Tech/44-TRANS-Clutch/DualFlywheelTechBulletin.pdf

[boulderick]

Thanks! I talked to a technician at the dealer, and he wasn't sure how to actually test the flywheel, but read me the procedures over the phone. He didn't know where to measure the flywheel (evidently he didn't see the arrow . . ). He said "we never test them, we always replace the flywheel on a clutch job."

Turns out by the test you gave me my flywheel is bad. Arghhhh. This job is getting expensive.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by boulderick

evidently he didn't see the arrow . . .

He probably didn't see the Indian either.............

[Wayne 962]

I've done this test on flywheels, and I can never really figure it out or not. Yes, you can replace the flywheel "while you're in there", or simply wait to see if it gives you trouble later on. I used a new flywheel when we installed the 3.4 engine in the Boxster, but I'm not sure I automatically replace the flywheel during each clutch job. This is also probably a function of my time / ability, as I can pull the transmission out of the Boxster very easily, so going back in there is not a huge issue for me.

-Wayne