Dual Mass Flywheel Testing

[acealfa]

Afternoon all,

I’ve had to pull the gearbox off my recently acquired Alfa project due to a leak. I’ve whipped the dual mass off to inspect but would like some information on testing & opinions please. I’ve not had chance to drive the car & I’m not aware it’s ever been changed.
Currently 122k on the clock.

Free play is around 5mm before it starts to spring and doesn’t seem to be any play when rocking it although I’m a bit concerned by the spots on the surface?

Thanks

[stevemcs]

Did it rattle before you removed it ? Personally at 122k I’d just replace it while it’s in bits.if you don’t replace it at least replace the bolts

[kev b]

I suppose it depends on how you value your time.

Refit it and hope its ok with the possibility of having to remove the box again or fit a new clutch and flywheel and chance that it didn't need replacing but avoid doing the job twice.

I hate changing clutches but I would re use the flywheel if the car was not going to cover significant mileage in your hands.

I would however change the clutch slave and carefully inspect any linkages or levers.

[acealfa]

Time isn’t really an issue at the minute but I’m not really prepared to spend money that I won’t get back so I’ll probably end up reusing it. Already the list is getting bigger of work that needs doing 😂

[stevieturbo]

Given how often they fail...unless you know it is very fresh, replace it. ( if you intend keeping the car )

The friction surface looks totally normal though, and not bad really. Doesnt look to have had too hard a life.

But for the amount of work it is to change the flywheel later if it fails in 5, 10, 20k....up to you whether not changing is worth a risk

[acealfa]

Time isn’t really an issue at the minute but I’m not really prepared to spend money that I won’t get back so I’ll probably end up reusing it. Already the list is getting bigger of work that needs doing 😂

[kev b]

It is an Alfa after all, I would give the whole car a thorough going over before I spent money on something that might not need doing. There will surely be plenty of other more important wallet draining issues?

[aka_kerrly]

If you have you doubts about the dual mass flywheel there should be a single piece flywheel kit available, I fitted a LUK kit to a 156jtd that had been remapped and obliterated it's original clutch. It was a couple of years ago but I recall the kit coming from euro car parts at barely £150 on one of their discount days/weeks/months haha.

[Belle427]

I don’t know what the acceptable free play figure is but 5 mm sounds ok to me, some are more than this from new.
Worth googling it.

[acealfa]

kev b said:

It is an Alfa after all, I would give the whole car a thorough going over before I spent money on something that might not need doing. There will surely be plenty of other more important wallet draining issues?

It’s actually eye watering how expensive parts are for a V6. It’s no wonder they get scrapped for parts.

[acealfa]

Belle427 said:

I don’t know what the acceptable free play figure is but 5 mm sounds ok to me, some are more than this from new.
Worth googling it.

I watched a couple YouTube videos last night and seems there’s plenty of life left in it. I’ll probably just sand the surface and get a clutch kit 👍🏻

[imagineifyeswill]

5mm play rotational movement before spring pressure is ok, you looking for at a maximum 30mm spring loaded rotational movement and maximum 3mm rock.

[acealfa]

imagineifyeswill said:

5mm play rotational movement before spring pressure is ok, you looking for at a maximum 30mm spring loaded rotational movement and maximum 3mm rock.

Thanks for the info. Unfortunately I’ve found the gearbox has a hairline crack through it so it’s looking unlikely it will be repaired.

[kev b]

Thats really disappointing, are you going to look for another box?

Good job you spotted the crack before throwing a chunk of cash at it.

[acealfa]

I had a quick look but all around 500 mark, which pretty much puts the nail in the coffin. I think my new plan of action will be to smarten up the engine, replace seals & put it in something else or sell it.

[imagineifyeswill]

Whereabouts is the crack in the gearbox and how big is it, if its a small crack in the bellhousing and not cracked right to an edge I wouldnt worry to much. Drill a small hole at either end of crack to stop it spreading and throw it back together, if its in the main gear casing then probably not worth trying to fix.