AAZ crank Wobble. Opinions please!

[boomenstein]

https://youtu.be/dt0oc9IA87M

Above is a link to a video of my wobbling crank. It doesn't look so bad with the Pulley off so just looking for opinions from anyone who has experience with this issue.

I just want to drive my car .

Should I be worried?

[vanbcguy]

That is BAD... You are not far away from having your engine ruined.  Yes, you should be very very worried.

[boomenstein]

Anyone know where to get this done in Ontario?
I talked to Giles but he is not sure when the guy will be in to do it.

Would like to make it to spring Fling!

[RunninWild]

pretty standard fix is to have it machined to a TDI sprocket.

I'm about to get my block sent off for machining. Does anyone know what TDI sprocket should be used or do any of them fit?

[burn_your_money]

Does anyone know what TDI sprocket should be used or do any of them fit?

AHU or 1Z. You need a clutched alternator pulley too though. There are quite a few reports of stock TDIs failing and the clutched alternator pulley is suppose to help.

[RunninWild]

. Would pinning the stock crank and sprocket be a better solution assuming the stock sprocket is still in good shape?

[theman53]

I don't think so but not sure. My reasoning is you have a forged crank that is probably stronger than whatever pin you put in to it. 4 pins and the D sprocket would be best but if it is one or the other I would go with the D sprocket.

[vanbcguy]

Personally I think the pins are kind of silly. Unless they're made out of something REALLY strong they can't even come close to the strength of the original keyway. D-sprocket plus a properly torqued NEW bolt and the alternator pulley is a pretty reliable solution.

[RunninWild]

I'll try and track down a new sprocket then.

Are alternator pullies usually interchangeable?  Reason being I'll be using a suzuki samurai alternator on my AAZ. ..

[vwzzuk]

This is the TDI sprocket I use for the crank mod: 028 105 263 D

[vanbcguy]

Any particular reason for using the Suzuki alternator instead of a VW one?  Sounds like a pain...

[RunninWild]

the vw alternator sits in a location that would interfere with the steering box. The mounting kit to use the engine comes with a bracket that relocates the alternator to the the exhaust side of the engine. I imagine they went this way over the vw alternator to save any rewiring or to make parts easier to find.

[vanbcguy]

Is the alternator a Bosch, or something else? 

[burn_your_money]

If it's a v-belt you don't need to worry about the clutched alternator pulley. It slips enough to not cause crank issues (as the theory goes).

[RunninWild]

Well thats good to know. V belt saves the day! My machinist is going to inspect my crank and if its in good shape he said he would pin it. If it needs to be replaced were going to go with the tdi sprocket. He said hes done both repairs on AAZ's and hasnt had any problems with pins on any of his rebuilds.