Thanks for the great feedback on the cooling tins. I think I'll stick with the original deflectors for now. Since the engine is more than half done, I'm moving onto to repacing the clutch. I bumped the engine up to 1776, and the original clutch from 1971 has 92K miles on it. So I figure to replace the clutch. The guys at EVW have the replacement clutch and necessary seals. However they said that the throwout bearings are obsolete and can't be had!!! Since everything is apart it would be nice to replace the TO bearing, however I might just have to repack the original in grease. Any leads on new or replacement TO bearings? Your FORUM has been invaluable in my rebuild. Thanks a million! And as we say in New Jersey, USA " FORGETABOUTIT"
Rick New Jersey
Hiya Rick,
There MAY be NOS AutoStick throwout bearings out there, but, if they are, they are well out of the regular parts loop. When I had my transmission rebuilt a few years back I went with an NOS throwout bearing. It took me over six months to find it and I have a few contacts. I do know of one right now, but I'm sure it will cost you dearly.........probably around $200 (maybe more). The one you have now is way overengineered and will probably be good for next few thousand years. You might want to talk to Lee about regreasing the beast. He's had his apart and examined the internals. I believe he went with the regreasing route.
By the way, you just might want to save some pennies and check around on the AS clutch disc. They are available from a number of vendors (I'm thinking that CIP1 is carrying them) and you may well find a lower price. Pressure plates are one of those things that you buy when you find.
Rick,
You may want to PM Johnr about the pressure plate. His local shop had/got one. I know one place over here that advertises a T-O bearing...but if it's 200+ smackers of folding green in the US my bowels may be in an upheaval on what it would cost here. As Mike has mentioned, the T-O will probably outlast nuclear fallout. Gaetano said he also reco'd (replacement balls/barrels?) his somehow, Lee has pulled his apart and cleaned/greased it up. It took me forever to find a decent pair of snap ring pliers that would handle the job and I wound up using it on my spare crank. I haven't ripped apart my T-O bearing as it is still greased and rotates buttery smooth.
Enjoy
Sean
Hi
Yes, the throw out bearing is very heavy duty...
when filled with lithium based MOLY grease it will last forever...
it doesn't get much use like a manual beetle..
I'll see if i can find the pics...
as Sean said they aren't too easy to pull apart or put back together
just don't damage any of the side seals that keep the grease in..
cheers
LEE
Hiya Rick,
If you really want an NOS throwout bearing for an AutoStick, here's a deal that won't come around again.........
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=812611
I'd jump this and quickly.
Mike,
Thanks for the heads up on the throwout bearing on Samba Site. I bought it for $135.00 , a little steep but a fair price considering how scarce they are. Mike, again thanks for the help. Goal is to get Greta on the road by end of this month. Thanks
Rick