O-Ring on flywheel end of crankshaft?

Pritchard · 03-18-2002, 08:28 AM

I have read and re-read Va914's post about end play. I have a question about the o-ring he mentioned.

He said that he installed a new o-ring and new rear main seal. I know about the rear main seal, but where does the o-ring go? I replaced my seal and end play shims a while ago but can't remember an o-ring. I have the engine out of the car right now for a 96mm upgrade and want to reassemble correctly. I currently have an oil leak at the rear of the case that is allowing oil to get on the clutch plate. If I am missing this o-ring maybe that's why I have the leak.

Thanks for any help!

Pritchard
'74 soon to be 2056 L

Va914 · 03-18-2002, 08:45 AM

The O-ring is in the fly wheel. If you look at the flywheel from the back (non clutch side) you'll see the raised "hub" surface with roller bearing inside. It is located inside the "hub". It is a thick o-ring, kind gray'ish in color when new.

I hope this helped ya. Kind'a hard to explain in words.

Pritchard · 03-18-2002, 12:47 PM

Thanks VA914. I'll check this PM. I hope that this will be the solution to my problem.

Need input from you guys. The clutch disk has plenty of clutch material left. It has had some oil to get on the friction surfaces. At times, when romping on the throttle, the clutch would slip a little. Can I reuse the clutch without any problems, provided that I can stop this oil leak? I'm hoping that cleaning with parts cleaner and the high temps that the clutch plate sees will get rid of any oily residue.

Thanks again

David Pritchard

SteveStromberg · 03-18-2002, 04:52 PM

Use Acetone to rid the plate of oil. Steve

Pritchard · 06:16 PM

Thanks for the input. I found the o-ring for the flywheel in a bag of leftovers from the engine gasket set I used a couple of years ago. I don't think that o-ring was in the flywheel when I disassembled the engine two years ago. Oh well, live and learn.

Just to make sure that I understand correctly: the o-ring goes in the face of the flywheel in the "groove" where the roller bearings are and the shaft from the tranny slides into the hole. Right?

Acetone to remove the oil on the clutch plate. Does a home center like Lowe's carry the stuff?

Thanks

David Pritchard

Wait a minute, I just reread Va914's post and I'm looking on the wrong side of the flywheel. Back to the garage.

Back from the garage. Now I'm really confused. What is the approximate diameter of this o-ring? The one I'm talking about is about an inch across.

TimW · 03-19-2002, 08:39 AM

Hi David,

Check out Part 3 of the “Replacing and Adjusting the 914 Clutch” tech article. The first paragraph of Part 3 described that o-ring and has a picture of it.

I think I too need to replace my flywheel seal. While adjusting my valves last night I noticed though the transmission inspection slot/hole a fair amount of oil all over the flywheel.

Two questions. First, is the flywheel seal pretty much the only place oil would leak from and get onto the flywheel?

Second, while the tech article describes replacing the clutch parts without removing the engine, would it be just as prudent to remove the engine all together? I think I’d rather spend the extra time pulling the engine completely, and save on the aggravation of wrestling with those high torque bolts while upside-down on my back.

Unfortunately there isn’t anything else on the motor that needs to be done other than fixing that oil leak.

Pritchard · 03-19-2002, 11:33 AM

Thanks! I have searched almost the entire PP site looking for that picture. That clears the matter up completely.

I have already ordered the seal and a couple of others from PP.

Thanks again

David Pritchard

maf 914 · 03-19-2002, 12:55 PM

David, Most hardware or paint stores sell acetone. It is used as a solvent and will remove fiberglass resin and fingernail polish (that's the smell), among other things.

Steve, I didn't realize you could remove oil from clutch linings with acetone. I thought that a well oiled disc was a goner. Good tip!

Mike