Crankshaft thrust on, 2.0, Worn rear crankshaft thrust surface? Options

[Mr.Vman]

!976 914, 2.0 engine T4, 80,000 mile car. Engine apart, excessive flywheel thrust and oil leakage from everywhere. Question on crankshaft thrust. The thrust bearing surface is worn to a knife edge. Is there a measurement from back of case to case bearing surface? Is this where the possible; "cutting the thrust" happens? In Arizona, Tucson, Phoenix or? Is there a shop for good case machine work? The bearing faces look good. Appears engine has never been apart before. Bottom line, how to know if case is not worn at thrust area, and is repairable? Center main bearing insert had crush. Not sure about line bore yet. Thank you in advance. Mr.Vman

[Jack Standz]

Type IV motors don't have the issues Type 1s have with saddle wear on main bearings. Line boring isn't needed as often on Type IVs, but it still occurs. Measure things before assuming a line bore or other machine work is needed on your case. Guessing that end play on your motor wasn't right or a heavy clutch caused excessive wear on the thrust surface? Careful measurement, the right parts, mockups and assembly should get you where your motor needs to be. Best wishes for a successful fix!

Here's a discussion about measuring the main bearing saddle on a Type IV motor:

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=544913

Here's a tool to measure main bearing saddles (others are available), but many of us use a bore gauge/tool:

https://www2.cip1.com/c31-012-140-105g4/