Flywheel problem?

[expat]

In a previous post I mentioned that since I had given the '87 a hard run thru the gears, with a slight spin of the rear wheel into third gear, I had developed a sort of looseness in the drivetrain.

Initally I though it might be CV joints or clutch related (pressure plate, release bearing, bent fork etc.). I also started to notice (quickly) a lot of backlash when accelerating or decelarating, and an amount of vibration that wasn't there before.

Sooo...I took it today to the mechanic (who races Porsches, successfully I believe) who diagnosed some looseness between the flywheel and the crankshaft. He had placed a screw drive up thru a slot in what looked like the bellhousing area and seemed to be trying to pry the flywheel around. (Sorry I'm not too mechanical with P-cars but I think this may give you an idea of the area I'm talking about). So he suggests that the engine needs to be dropped to inspect and make repair.

Now remember I'm in Hong Kong and I don't speak Chinese and his English is not too good, but I think this was pretty much what he was suggesting.

Does this all sound feasible? Is the flywheel attached to the crankshaft by bolts, a key system or what. What should I expect he may need to do if in fact the flywheel and crankshaft are showing signs of less than togetherness?

Would you recommend any other alternatives to the problems I am experiencing that should be suggested to him?

Would you guys do anything else specifically in relation to pulling the engine before putting it back in. (eg I'll get some oil leaks fixed and new plumbing in some areas)

Thanxs for your consideration. In remote places (liguistically) such as HK I really appreciate the information and knowledge available thru this Board.

Hope some of you can help me with my just purchased 911 (2 months ago)

Regards and thanks in advance

Mark

[john walker's workshop]

if the flywheel was loose on the crank, it would make a hell of a lot of noise. he's barking up the wrong tree.

[expat]

Thanks for that John. Actually it was naking a fair amount of noise but I only heard it over the engine noise when travelling beside concrete barriers along the road, which I assume bounced the noise back.

I've only done maybe 2000km in this car since buying it so maybe the problem was there before hand and the previous owner knowing it was developing into a problem tried to off load it (sucker me...and so much for the PPI if this turns out to be the problem!!) This is noty a good start to P-car ownership. Feeling pretty low and ripped off at the moment.

The mechanic is giving me a call in a few hours to confirm his opinion on the matter.

Thanks for your reply, at least one person bothered.

Cheers
Mark

[Superman]

Boy, I'd be surprized if a flywheel just came loose from the crankshaft. I'll bet that vibration is from a CV joint or something. Taht would also explain the drive train looseness. A loose flywheel would NOT cause drive train sloppiness.

If it's an ordinary vibration or a rumble, then I'd say it's a CV joint. The vibration from a poorly balanced flywheel would be a BUZZZZZ. Like a, you know, one of those things that vibrates.

Anyway, the flywheel bolts to the crankshaft with nine bolts I believe. and it would make quite a mess if they let go of the flywheel or if it got loose. Sorry, I don't believe your flywheel is loose.

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'83 SC

[expat]

Thanks guys for your thoughts. I called the mechanic back a few hours ago and actually spoke to the owner of the shop who had just arrived back from Malaysia (racing in the 12 hour with his 911). He said the same as you Superman and Walker - that the likelyhood of it being the flywheel was too remote and he said he would check it out. He rang me just now and said its the rubber (thingy) on the clutch that has given up its useful life (I've heard of this in threads on the 944 board many times). I didn't know the 911's had this too. He said that the mechanic was only experiencing some end float not a separating flywheel and crankshaft.

So it looks like a clutch job for the '87.

His quote was HK$10600 (US$1330approx).

Does this all sound about right? I think from previous threads the quote is about right and the clutch diagnosis sounds feasible given the vibration, slackness in accel and decel and some remote noise (not metal like).

Once again you guys prove the point of how invaluable second opinions, and especially those of the people on this board, are.

By the way, if anyone wants a place to stay for a few days while in Hong Kong, email me. I will gladly make room for another 911 owner on this Board.
My maid makes great Indian food to die for! I'm always hosting friends from Australia who pass thru on their way else where.

Thankyou
Mark

[Superman]

Yes, that all sounds much more reasonable. And Hong Kong has always sounded like a very exciting place. Having read Tai Pan and Noble House.

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'83 SC