Felt Flywheel Washer Makes Centering Tool Crazy Tight

[wrxnofx]

Putting my 2.0 FI back together. Achieved correct endplay (0.004”), lubed and installed new pilot bearing, installed new rear main seal, added o-ring to rear of flywheel, and oiled and installed new felt washer (flywheel refresh kit purchased from Scott). Then put on new flywheel lock shim thingy and torqued all to 80ftlbs.

You can see the felt washer in the above pic.

When I went to install the clutch, the clutch centering tool basically does not want to go into the pilot bearing because the felt washer makes the opening really small. I was able to get it in with some pressure, but now with everything torqued the centering tool doesn’t just slide out easily.

Questions:
1. Assuming the issue is indeed the felt washer do I just ditch the washer?
2. The flywheel lock shim thingy is supposed to be single use. Well, I’ve now used it once. Do I seriously need to purchase a different shim?
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1977 VW Type 2 Bay Window Westy FI

[timvw7476]

I've reused the bolt plate, the bolts feature serrations that do work more than once, on a washer that will hold them more than a couple of times.

I would leave the felt off, align the disc with the tool. then place the felt just a bit up the neck of the input shaft & let it press further into the pilot when the transaxle & engine assembly meet. That should do it. Say 3/4" on .(the splines will of course, hold it from going further.... )

'Just the tip.......' : / as they say these days.

[skills@eurocarsplus]

fuck that felt thing

it causes more issues than its worth, like falling apart and locking up the pilot bearing

that is a toss over shoulder and never look back kind of part
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[Wildthings]

The diesel style bearing with a rubber lips seal will solve your problem, its an easy mod. You just need to buy a stepped bit and clearance the crankshaft side of the flywheel enough to accommodate the extra length of the bearing.

The diesel bearing is on the left, while the stock bearing is in the center:

Diesel bearing installed in crankshaft:

[wrxnofx]

Thanks for the input all.

I removed the felt and the input shaft happily goes in and comes out, as will the input shaft when I mate the gearbox back up to it.

@Wildthings - appreciate the design change. At this point I'm not up for that yet, and am going to rock a new, stock pilot bearing.
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1977 VW Type 2 Bay Window Westy FI