Re: Crank Pulley Keeps Loosening

On Sat, 19 Jul 2003 09:53:32 -0500, snipped-for-privacy@stafford.net (J Stafford) scribbled this interesting note:

Seems to me that some kind of safety device could be used to insure the bolt does not loosen up. Even some kind of Permatex product could be used on the threads of the bolt to keep it snug.

First things first, is the bolt used or new? How clean are the threads? Is it a factory or aftermarket pulley (I forget, not having looked at your pictures lately.) Is there any kind of lock washer with the bolt (lock washer, wavey washer, etc.?)

Basically, more information, please...

Regardless of everything else, it seems that you have a symptom that is caused by some underlying problem. Any patch you perform without fixing the problem will cause the symptom to reappear, probably at the worst possible time. BTW, how to the various high performance engine owners address this issue? Have you asked Jake about it yet?

-- John Willis

.....I know when I was drag racing buzzy big-bore 2-strokes, we used to drill all bolts with a hole centered near the center of the threads where the nut would rest and thread weedwacker line into the hole..... Then we trimmed the line on either side a few mm higher than the threads..... The nylon of the line helped "lock" the threads without making removal a chore..... Not sure if this is helpful in your case but a thought.....

Sneaks

Is it a stock pulley? If not, does the bolt itself bottom out? Are you missing a washer? And 7000 rpm's should have nothing to do with it. Sounds like the pulley is "giving" or the bolt bottoming out or even less likely,: the bolt stretching.

J.

Is it an original VW pulley? Or an aftermarket one?

-- Howard

either a non-Genuine VW pulley bolt, or a loose flywheel.

John Aircooled.Net Inc.

Please explain a little why?............I am very curiou so fthe conclusion and how it could be arrived at.

I understand the Aftermarket Pulley could be it, as the shape of the pulley can change due tocentrifugal force if its soft alloy. Just the flywheel issue is one I'd like a better understanding on. Thanks in advance.

Remove "YOURPANTIES" to reply MUADIB®

It's an all new engine, John. I was talking to Jake Raby this morning. He said he's had a couple situations like that, possibly associated with the brand of pulley wheel. I removed it and cleaned the threads and used plenty of Blue Loctite, tightened to 40 foot-pounds and let it set while I adjusted the valves. I just got back from a three hour ride. I'm wiped out and cooling down so I'll check it when the sun sets. (These coupes... you know why they are call that? Because the driver is all cooped up. And hot!)

Exactly. The key holds the pulley, not the nut.