Is the VW385 pinion tool still available anywhere? I've searched but I can't find it anywhere. Thanks
Is the VW385 pinion tool still available anywhere? I've searched but I can't find it anywhere. Thanks
first ride - 10 yrs old in a 73 911S - Silver - I was done for
Started 'playing' with them in the late 80s
Started racing a 72 911 T built to 2.9L RSR in SoCal SCCA, PCA, POC early 90s
Have owned over 50 long hoods from late 80s until 2000
dropped out from 2000 - 2018 - due to life, work, travel
Been building a 2.8 'RSR' inspired car since 2018 - 9111121235
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsc...1121235-a.html
Apologies, I did see that one. However $9K is effectively unavailable. I'm not even sure how a full time transmission specialist would justify that expenditure.
Not sure which piece you’re looking for but there are all sorts of VW385 variants on eBay.
Peter Kane
'72 911S Targa
Message Board Co-Moderator - Early 911S Registry #100
You don't need to splurge for the full VW385 kit. Look at your workshop manual, get the components you need from the kit. Same vw.snapon.com web site.
I'm a full-time transmission specialist, and getting this tool is a no-brainer. It's the only way to properly set the pinion depth, period.
Yes, I had that thought as well but if you look the individual pieces are on backorder (I called and the wait is until November at the earliest) and even scarier the VW385/53 14MM extension isn't even available anymore. I'm hoping, should I ever even get a shot at buying these tools that the VW385/16 12.3 MM extension will work. You use the tool regularly. Will that even work? Or am I headed to my local tool maker for a custom made extension? Thanks for your insights.
You don't need the 14 mm extension. Get a generic 15 mm extension plus a nice tip. Remember that what you're doing is measuring the delta (difference) in the dial indicator reading when using the master gauge versus the depth of the pinion gear face mounted in the case. The difference will usually be no more than 1 mm., depending on the type of transmission you're working on. So as long as you have sufficient range on the dial indicator, you're all set.
I usually install my 10-mm-range dial indicator to read about 4 mm when installed in the measuring bar. That gives enough capture of the dial indicator tube that it won't budge, and like 6 mm of dynamic range when setting nominal with the master gauge and actual against the pinion face.
Long Island Indicator Service has excellent quality indicators, extensions, etc. and seem like nice people when I've bought from them.
If the above explanations do not make sense, lemme know, will clarify.
I do the same thing, select whatever extension and needle combo I have to achieve measurement. A couple mm is all the preload u need. I always select the target number for my “0”, for some reason my tool’s number has a slight shift/drift between micrometer and dial readings at the limits. I believe the factory recommended extensions and needles reduce this variance.
I'm not worried about the dial indicator as I have several and lots of different extensions to make that work. I'm concerned about the 14MM extension that is attached to the contact plunger, VW385/14 which is at a 90 degree angle to the dial indicator. I have seen several videos where the tech turns the tool and the extension knocks the magnetic setting pad off of the end of the pinion shaft and that is with the correct extension. I can only imagine that an incorrect length would either not make contact (too short) or knock the pad off by hitting it sideways (too long). I ordered the 3MM extension with the idea that I can insert a sourced or fabricated 11MM insert in between that and the plunger to get the proper factory dimension for angle and contact. Am I making sense?
Thanks for your help!
Sometimes the magnet gets knocked off. I install the cover with the pointer preloaded against the magnet to help keep it in place as installing the cover is as likely as anything to knock the magnet off.
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