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Fri Oct 30, 2009 10:39 am

Does anyone know if there are heavy duty clutches on the market for a type 4 / 091 combo?

In preparations for our overland trip we'll be dropping the engine and tranny and it would be nice to have a clutch a little more aggressive. I've searched all the usual suspects' websites but couldn't find anything.

Fri Oct 30, 2009 11:01 am

just get the rigid clutch. the one w/o springs. i think that's about as "heavy duty" as you're going to get for your application.

it wouldn't surprise me if some of the T4 guys know something i don't.

Fri Oct 30, 2009 11:17 am

Check with http://www.kennedyeng.com/volks_pp.htm

They make what you seek.......... 8)

Fri Oct 30, 2009 1:06 pm

Just remember that you are going to be living with the stock clutch cable and release arm. Parts that may not have extra strength for use with a heavier clutch set up. VW used the same 228 mm clutch on the 2.1 waterboxers as it did on the US model 2.0 aircooled and it seems to be adequate even with the higher Vanagon gearing. If your is a European model, I have no idea what it might now be equipped with.

Fri Oct 30, 2009 1:47 pm

As you live in the Netherlands I suggest you find a local clutch rebuilder and have them build you a heavy duty pressure plate. Your local auto parts store should be able to help you. They may be able to order the heavy duty part, or put you in contact with the rebuilder.

The heavy duty part involves using heavier springs in the pressure plate, or more springs of the same strength. The stock clutch disc should be fine. A solid disc is too rough for street use and is hard on the engine and transmission.

Why do you want a heavy duty clutch? Do you have a more powerful engine and heavier vehicle? A good clutch man can build a clutch specifically for your needs.

Fri Oct 30, 2009 2:41 pm

Thanks for the info guys!

Rusty O'Toole wrote: Why do you want a heavy duty clutch? Do you have a more powerful engine and heavier vehicle? A good clutch man can build a clutch specifically for your needs.

Well, we had a few precarious moments with our clutch on our last overland trip. i.e. engine revving, bus not moving.

When equipped with all the gear the bus is quite heavy and a bit more powerful than stock.

But, the slipping may be caused by the transmission leaking oil into the bell housing. There always was a tiny drip of oil on the underside of the bell housing, so probably there's something in there.

We're going to drop the engine and transmission some time soon to get a new rebuilt transmission bolted up, so we'll find out then. I just wanted to know if there were any options out there. Reading your opinions it seems likely that it's a bit oil contaminated.

Fri Oct 30, 2009 3:06 pm

The stock bus clutch is plenty heavy duty for just about everything short of drag racing. And a drag racing clutch isn't very good for road driving and is harder on the rest of the drive train.

If your clutch is slipping it's because it's worn out or, as you suspect, contaminated.

Fri Oct 30, 2009 4:18 pm

josh wrote: The stock bus clutch is plenty heavy duty for just about everything short of drag racing. And a drag racing clutch isn't very good for road driving and is harder on the rest of the drive train.

If your clutch is slipping it's because it's worn out or, as you suspect, contaminated.
Or not adjusted :wink:

Fri Oct 30, 2009 7:51 pm

Make sure that the flywheel is machined correctly. The dimension between the wear surface and the level where the cover bolts on is very critical to good clutch performance.

A small amount of oil is not going to cause your clutch to slip, instead it will cause it to grab and chatter.