Vw golf mk1 constant crank thrust failure

[Reedo]

Good day all

Hope someone can shed some light on this

Ive got a golf 2door fully original

Recently decided to rebuild the motor due to a bearing failure.

Cylinder 2 big end (oil starvation)

Redid the motor.. Block rebore 20thou
Crank cut 20/20 mains / big ends
Brand new oil pump
New lifters
Cylinder head skimmed.. New seals guides etc

After rebuild

1 week later of driving.. Car developed a noise when the clutch is pressed in..
I immediately thought thrust bearing in the gearbox..
Replaced it
Noise still there

Dropped the gearbox thought something was up by the clutch assembly.

Found nothing

Decided to check crankshaft end float and there is was.. A huge amount of end float.

So immediately i knew thurst failure on the crankshaft

Dropped the sump.

Worn out badly. Groove into the crankshaft.. Crank started hitting the main cap

I noticed that when it was stripped the first time.. It has the bearings with loose thrust washers.. And when installing the new parts they supplied me with built on thrust..

Didnt think that would do anything but seems i was wrong.

Anyways decided to change build and fitted a brand new 1.8 crank along with the 1.8 pistons.

Re did the motor again with loose thrust like it should be.

Made sure clutch and pedals assembly was fine not cable keeping the crankshaft pressed.

I definitely dont drive with my foot on the clutch.

Everything checks out..

Inspected clutch assembly.. Gearbox.. New push rod.. Bush and seal..
Everything

Quality bearings.. AE big ends. Glyco mains.. KS thrust.

Started the car obviously better since its now 1.8..

And there again 1 week later.. Thrust is again messed.. Making a noise when pressing the clutch in.

I will be dropping the sump tomorrow again.
. But would like to hear if anyone experienced this and what should i look for.. As i stated everything was of quality.. Every part replaced.

And yes i do know how to do a motor as ive done quite a few of my golf engines which are still running today.. I do know i made a stupid rookie mistake in fitting built on thrust instead of loose.. But why another failure now even with loose thrust.

If anyone has so info I'd really appreciate it.

[Vefjag]

Hi Reedo,
I read this post of yours with great interest as I am experiencing the same thing with my VW Fox 1600 after I had the engine reconditioned. Also end float. Thrust bearings were ground down and the engine overheating as soon as I go up an incline. Changed almost everything but still making that noise. Did you manage to find out what the actual problem was? I was thinking of changing the clutch but after reading your post think that could be as waste of time. I'd be very grateful for your input.'
Thanks Mike