Re: Crank bolt removed...

[Allan Jones <ampj@tiac.net>]

Thanks All!
	Of the many replies sent, most were either black or white. Several said
"sure, go ahead and change the belt," while the rest generally swore
against it. I feel confident in replacing the belt w/o moving the engine
to TDC. It seems to me(and several others) it's quite the same job no
matter where the engine was aligned as long as all is KEPT aligned.
	
Steven Buchholz wrote:
>I don't know how big a hole there is in the bellhousing & flywheel, but
>I sure hope that 300+ ft-lbs doesn't shear the thing! I'm glad I have a
>VW 2079/2084 [or whatever!]

	ACTUALLY, if you knew HOW EASY IT IS to loosen the crankshaft bolt
using the 'bolt in a flywheel hole method', then you would probably be
saying "I'm bummed I spent $65[or whatever!] on VW 2079/2084 [or
whatever!]" because IT'S SO EASY! In fact, loosening the crankshaft bolt
using 'M's method was a hell-of-a-lot easier than loosening many other
'normal' bolts/nuts! I'M DEAD SERIOUS! I've scuffed/cut/severed skin and
cursed/threw/punched whatever while trying to loosen mere 10mm(and
smaller) bolts, but I simply applied pressure(a lot yes, but nothing
even a petite woman couldn't handle) to the breaker bar and IT SLOWLY
broke loose! No sharp breakage(release) of the bolt from its grip, no
bruised knuckles or damaged skin, no swearing, nothing BUT A SMOOTH
RELEASE!
	As for how big the hole is....it's actually a perfect size! The
transmission bolt I removed from right above the hole slid right in and
had no play. Even *500* ft-lbs would not shear the bolt the way the bolt
fits and what it comes up against when turning the engine. The way it
worked so easily, I would swear that they designed that hole in the
transmission and the holes in the flywheel just for breaking the bolt
loose! Maybe they did and THEN decided to sell 'another tool'!?!?! ;-)


	I know this project seems to be taking forever to all of you, but
that's because...it is! Believe me! Although I am missing some serious
'driving days!', I am not overly concerned and am purposely/forcibly
taking my time....
	The next question is regarding all of the oil/dirt/rust/scum that I
have found all around the bottom of the timing belt area. Could a
serious amount of wet black crude be caused by a recently leaking water
pump and years of dirt/oil build-up? Or is it a sign of front seal
leakage? I have a new crankshaft seal, but it seems like a b!#ch to
remove the front housing if it's even possible! I do want to do it(seal
and housing gasket) though while all is accessible so if I can remove
the housing, please let me know how to go about it. THANK YOU!
	Also, with all the talk of oiling the seals, gaskets before
installation, I am curious as to if there is any application of a sealer
or something needed for a new water pump gasket. Thanks again!

Allan Jones
 '86 Commemorative Design Coupe GT