[Vwdiesel] TDI alternator pulley

[LBaird119 at aol.com]

In a message dated 9/16/2010 6:41:14 AM Pacific Daylight Time, 
brian at gochnauer.net writes:

> It's is a 'sprag clutch' (couldn't find a good example pic) and the 
> reverse
> direction resistence isn't really of much value as long as it locks in the
> 'forward' direction.
> It's there to reduce the spinning forces internal to the alternator when 
> the
> engine is shut off.

  That just sounds silly.  There's not that much rotating mass to 
an alt, especially compared to a crank assy, to seem like it'd have 
much of any affect on shut down shudder, after spin or even stress 
on the belt.
  Not that you sound silly, VW,  for putting one on there.
  Auto trannies use sprag clutches, older Honda motorcycle starters.
Doesn't help with a visual though unless you've had one in your hand...
    Loren