Resurface versus replace flywheel
 

What is the consensus on flywheels. I know you can save money by having it resurfaced at a machine shop.

Will an experienced machinest be able to tell you if the part is good for resurfacing? Or do you throw the dice and take your chance?

Resurface. If it's no good the machine shop will tell you. When I replaced my clutch last summer it was ~$40 to resurface, no brainer.

There are some specifications that will tell you when it's too thin to resurface. It may have been done before and/or you have scoring deeper that the spec.

Someone here probably has the number.
I think it's also in Wayne's engine rebuild book.
I lent my copy out.

Is this part or your MD inspection?
When is the drop?

For 87 to 89 Porsche does not want you to grind the flywheel because of possible interference from rubber center disc. I've done it before but you have to be carefull of clearance between disc and flywheel. Clearance should be at least depth of disc material to rivet head. Web thickness minimum is 9.9mm. If the flywheel was a virgin flywheel you should be able to take about 10 to 20 thousands off. Grind flywheel only; do not turn.

Matt:

As always, very helpful. :)

Two Qs:

1. Don't you want to replace rubber centered discs with spring centered to begin with? (cost not being the determinative factor).

2. Do most local shops "grind" or "turn" the flywheels? (obviously, yours excluded).

Thanks.

Jason

Not part of the inspection, but I feel it staring to slowly die. I'm ok for the remainder of winter, but I will definately need a new one come spring. I don't have a garage so I'm still trying to figure the logistics of the drop. Right now I am just studying every bit of information I can on the G50 clutch replacement.

Where is a good machine shop in this area?

So, Howard, what's it doing to make you think you need a new or resurfaced flywheel?

Have you (or the previous owner) recently flushed the hydraulic system for your clutch? Is the clutch slave cylinder original? Has the G50 release fork update been done on your car? Heck, is it even needed on your car (Hey RL, you'd know!)? How old is the clutch, pressure plate and release bearing? I think you need to proceed slowly with your new-to-you car.

Howard,

If you think you can do the whole drop, clutch replacement (assuming a new, not resurfaced flywheel), and reinstall in one weekend you are welcome to use my garage. :D

I'd even be willing to host a Dorki party to do it. :shock:

Of course, it will be my second party because I'll have to have one for my engine/tranny installation (un-drop?) since I did a no-no and did my drop solo. :lol: :lol:

Yes Jim the fork update should be done on the G50 if it has not. First AutoX I took my new to me 88 911, clutch hung up and had to get it done in a hurry before a DE.
Dirk

Howard, a good machine shop that's right near us is Rockville Ring and Bearing (301) 762-5542. They are right down the street from the Rockville court house, and directly across the street from the Rockville Metro station (within walking distance).
Depending on when you're planning to drop the motor, I might be able to lend you the services of my garage since it's up the street from you. FYI, I have a real good friend that lives in your 'hood , so be on the lookout for the brown beast on Muddy Branch rd. Give me a call, don't be a stranger :wink: .

Just out of curiosity and I know Jim already asked, but how do you know that your flywheel needs to be replaced ? Was this something that the PO told you?
I agree with Jim :shock: , you just got that beautiful Carrera and the last thing you need to be doing to it is putting it under the knife. In the words of Dan M., drive it like you stole it!!!!!
At least for the first year of new p-car ownership I would set aside any major repairs/replacements unless they are really needed. IMO spend the first year getting familiar with the 911 and how to drive it, then tear into it after you've got the seat time. :twisted: