Excess Clutch Pressure....Damaged Engine

[VR4-mike]

Hey guys. Anyone know what would cause excess clutch pressure? Heres what happened. Rebuilt a 93' VR-4, and after driving it for two weeks, tranny started making noise. Took it to the guy I know at the dealer whos had a couple VR-4s and he said that there was excess clutch pressure, and it wore out the Thrust washers, and then the block started getting eaten into.

Dealer told me I need a new short block. Once the block is fixed, then I need to figure out what caused this to happen. I would guess the flywheel was not re-ground properly, or mabe a defective pressure plate(I intalled a brand new OEM clutch assembley) so.... this puzzles me as to how I could drive the car 100 miles, and then wear out the washers. The crank was magnafluxed, new rod bearings, new thrust washers, new everything..... So now Im not sure If i should rip apart the block again and have it repared( if thats even possible) or if I should find a new short block...... Whats your guys's take on this..... ever heard of this happening?

[WidowMaker]

Originally Posted by VR4-mike

Hey guys. Anyone know what would cause excess clutch pressure? Heres what happened. Rebuilt a 93' VR-4, and after driving it for two weeks, tranny started making noise. Took it to the guy I know at the dealer whos had a couple VR-4s and he said that there was excess clutch pressure, and it wore out the Thrust washers, and then the block started getting eaten into.

Dealer told me I need a new short block. Once the block is fixed, then I need to figure out what caused this to happen. I would guess the flywheel was not re-ground properly, or mabe a defective pressure plate(I intalled a brand new OEM clutch assembley) so.... this puzzles me as to how I could drive the car 100 miles, and then wear out the washers. The crank was magnafluxed, new rod bearings, new thrust washers, new everything..... So now Im not sure If i should rip apart the block again and have it repared( if thats even possible) or if I should find a new short block...... Whats your guys's take on this..... ever heard of this happening?

The thrust bearings were probably installed backwards, or were out of spec when installed. Seen it happen very recently from a shop that already has piss poor reputations as it is.
it has nothing to do with the clutch/flywheel etc... It's just that once the thrust bearings are shot, you will have excess crank thrust (side to side [actually front to back] movement) And yes this will kill your engine.
Good luck
-Steve
edit: you will most like;y not be able to reuse the block or the crank. the pistons and rods will probably be fine.