Clutch release fork and oil slinger play

[lucianosanchez]

So I am in the process of removing the transmission from my 83 water cooled Westfalia and I have a couple questions for you guys.

I took a look at the clutch release fork on it looks like this

I know I need a new one but I was wondering if there are good and bad ones I can get? I was looking at the BusDepot one http://www.busdepot.com/091141701, is this one good or are there better ones?

I also have a question about the oil slinger play... Is this too much?

Link
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thanks for the help all.
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1983.5 Aussan Brown Westfalia | 2016 to 2020
1983.5 Beige Westfalia | 2019 to Current

[Vanagon Nut]

That play you're showing is between the input shaft (part you're holding) and internal gear it connects to. Hard to say watching a video of this "play" but amount shown is likely normal. A small threaded stud connects that shaft to a gear inside tranny. If I recall, Bentley specs threading that input shaft to that gear until it seats (snug) then backing it off CCW a turn or so. This is (part? all?) of what creates that play. Though the stud connects the input shaft to internal gear, a sleeve slides over the two parts. The sleeve takes the load not the stud.

There should be lots of info on the cross shaft but my take on it is don't buy a cross shaft that has yellow metal. The difference will be reflected in the price.

Neil.
_________________
1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA

1988 West DIY 50º ABA

VE7TBN

[?Waldo?]

As Neil mentioned, you aren't showing the slinger. You are showing the input shaft. The slinger is behind the input shaft seal and so it cannot be seen in the video. You need to remove the seal and then see if the slinger will move at all using a small screwdriver. No amount of movement is permissible. It needs to be solidly in place.

[lucianosanchez]

I understand, thank you guys for the replies. Here is a video of just the oil singer. It doesn't appear to me that it is moving much, what do you think?There was some oil sitting behind the input shaft seal, is that normal or should it be completely dry in there?


Link


Thanks again!
_________________
1983.5 Aussan Brown Westfalia | 2016 to 2020
1983.5 Beige Westfalia | 2019 to Current

[Vanagon Nut]

With the input shaft removed, I can see the lip of slinger. Hard to see any movement with camera moving around.

Along with Andrews comments, if in doubt, would suggest inspecting further.
It's not hard to remove the clutch housing and for most folks, it's standard
practice to use RTV sealant in place of the OEM thin paper gasket between
housing and tranny.

edited:

If theres excessive play at clutch operating shaft bushings, it may be
easier to R&R those bushings with clutch housing is still attached.
Removing the lever at outer end of cross shaft can be tough.
What I do is countersink a small hole at center of lever exterior end,
get shaft part way out, use an open end wrench as backing against inner face
of arm then hook the jaws of a Pittman arm puller on the wrench to pull off
the arm. If that makes sense.
I've posted pics of that on this forum.

If you search Andrews handle, you should find his post on the oil slinger.
Very helpful info there.

Neil.
_________________
1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA

1988 West DIY 50º ABA

VE7TBN

[?Waldo?]

I thought I saw it move a little a couple times. As Neil says, it's hard to tell with the camera moving. You can certainly tell better than anyone else. As I said before, get a small flat blade screwdriver or pick and snag the edge of it and see if you can get it to move. Any movement at all means is unacceptable. It needs to be a press fit in the bell housing.

[lucianosanchez]

Got it, I will try moving it tomorrow with a screwdriver or pick. Do I need to drain the tranny oil if I remove the clutch housing? I'm guessing there's oil in there?

Vanagon Nut, I think I have a clear picture of how to remove the lever, I will try tomorrow, thanks.

Since I needed more parts (clutch lever, flywheel lock, RTV sealant)and can't get them till tomorrow I decided to pause this until tomorrow (trying to get the day off...).

I understand if some of my questions are stupid, but this is my first time ever doing anything like this, so far I think I did a good job removing the transmission I hope I can finish the job right. Thanks again for the continued help everyone.
_________________
1983.5 Aussan Brown Westfalia | 2016 to 2020
1983.5 Beige Westfalia | 2019 to Current

[dhaavers]

What are your plans for having the tranny out?

Great time to renew flywheel seal & o-ring, pilot bearing, felt seal, etc...

These are all $1 to $10 parts that can fail anytime, result ranging from
unfortunate long-term oil leak to complete mechanical failure...

- Dave
_________________
86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS>

[lucianosanchez]

[dhaavers]

You're all over it, then...cool!
_________________
86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS>

[lucianosanchez]

So I worked on the van this weekend and was able to get a new clutch release fork from AirHeadParts here in Ventura.
http://www.airheadparts.com/Operating-Shaft-Clutch-Release/item/091-141-701

They said that this should it should fit my transmission but when I went to install it, it didn't...

The diameter of where the fork goes into the brass bushing is too big and does not fit. Also, the clutch lever does not fit on the other end. Have you guys seen this before? Is this normal?

Another question... One of my flywheel shims (the big one http://www.van-cafe.com/home/van/page_2219_1511/big_crankshaft_end_play_shim_81.40mm.html) is warped. The edges are not flat, they curve up like a bowl. Any idea where I can find one and why this would happen?

Thanks!
_________________
1983.5 Aussan Brown Westfalia | 2016 to 2020
1983.5 Beige Westfalia | 2019 to Current

[Vanagon Nut]

[lucianosanchez]

[lucianosanchez]

[Vanagon Nut]

[lucianosanchez]

An update on the release shaft. I ended up purchasing another one from another source on eBay (second one) which also ended up being too large. FML! It was a bit smaller than the first one I purchased from AirHeadParts but still did not fit in the bushing. After two failed attempts I found weddleindustries.com which appears to make their own reinforced release shaft. I received it in the mail last night and will be comparing it with the original VW one with my calipers.

If anyone is thinking of getting the ones from eBay that look like they've been coated with a shiny metallic finish, I would suggest you don't purchase them because that coating appears to add thickness. The metal on those also appears to be of less quality than the original VW one.

The one from Weddle looks like it uses the same metal as VW and has a much nicer finish; not to mention it is reinforced with more welding around the arms. I will let you know if it fits tomorrow.

Here's a link if anyone is interested:
https://weddleindustries.com/product/1000897
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1983.5 Aussan Brown Westfalia | 2016 to 2020
1983.5 Beige Westfalia | 2019 to Current

[Vanagon Nut]

thanks for the link. Nice to see the 9025 bushing. And, they offer a new diesel clutch housing? Could be really useful for VW engine swappers.

Hope the weddle sourced part fits. That's interesting that 2 in a row didn't fit. I assume the original part still fits? (bronze bushing wasn't some how damaged. Id think it wouldn't be)

Neil.
_________________
1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA

1988 West DIY 50º ABA

VE7TBN

[lucianosanchez]

[Vanagon Nut]

Nice kit. That small retaining bolt can go MIA or otherwise. I recall making one for my first clutch housing rebuild.

You will enjoy having a nice shudder free clutch. Couple that up with a smooth tight shift linkage, super nice feeling.

Neil.
_________________
1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA

1988 West DIY 50º ABA

VE7TBN