Flywheel Lock

[NCGermerican]

Has anyone else noticed that their flywheel lock won't engage the splines on the starter ring when the car is at exact TDC (according to flywheel marks top and bottom). When I had my 87 S, I could lock the flywheel in place at the exact point it would show in the top and bottom windows.

On my 87 turbo, when I get the position perfect, the lock won't engage. I have to rotate about .5 tooth left or right for it to engage. I'm assuming this is because of the larger starter ring and more teeth on the turbo.

So my question is - is there a flywheel lock available that is specific to the Turbo (and I believe the S2)? I know many websites will just list it as for a turbo, but who knows how truthful they are.

[Tom]

Has anyone else noticed that their flywheel lock won't engage the splines on the starter ring when the car is at exact TDC (according to flywheel marks top and bottom). When I had my 87 S, I could lock the flywheel in place at the exact point it would show in the top and bottom windows.

On my 87 turbo, when I get the position perfect, the lock won't engage. I have to rotate about .5 tooth left or right for it to engage. I'm assuming this is because of the larger starter ring and more teeth on the turbo.

So my question is - is there a flywheel lock available that is specific to the Turbo (and I believe the S2)? I know many websites will just list it as for a turbo, but who knows how truthful they are.

I've never seen one listed specifically for the 951. The factory tool, # 000 721 920 60 seems to be listed for both the n/a and turbo. The only time I've ever needed to truly lock the flywheel is when installing and removing the front pulley bolt, when it doesn't really matter if the mark if a few mm off. Is it causing you an issue or just wondering?

[NCGermerican]

Has anyone else noticed that their flywheel lock won't engage the splines on the starter ring when the car is at exact TDC (according to flywheel marks top and bottom). When I had my 87 S, I could lock the flywheel in place at the exact point it would show in the top and bottom windows.

On my 87 turbo, when I get the position perfect, the lock won't engage. I have to rotate about .5 tooth left or right for it to engage. I'm assuming this is because of the larger starter ring and more teeth on the turbo.

So my question is - is there a flywheel lock available that is specific to the Turbo (and I believe the S2)? I know many websites will just list it as for a turbo, but who knows how truthful they are.

I've never seen one listed specifically for the 951. The factory tool, # 000 721 920 60 seems to be listed for both the n/a and turbo. The only time I've ever needed to truly lock the flywheel is when installing and removing the front pulley bolt, when it doesn't really matter if the mark if a few mm off. Is it causing you an issue or just wondering?

Really just curious if there are different versions because the starter rings are different. I’m in the same boat at you. At this point the only time I use a lock is for removing/installing the crank pulley bolt.

[AudiSport]

Has anyone else noticed that their flywheel lock won't engage the splines on the starter ring when the car is at exact TDC (according to flywheel marks top and bottom). When I had my 87 S, I could lock the flywheel in place at the exact point it would show in the top and bottom windows.

On my 87 turbo, when I get the position perfect, the lock won't engage. I have to rotate about .5 tooth left or right for it to engage. I'm assuming this is because of the larger starter ring and more teeth on the turbo.

So my question is - is there a flywheel lock available that is specific to the Turbo (and I believe the S2)? I know many websites will just list it as for a turbo, but who knows how truthful they are.

I've never seen one listed specifically for the 951. The factory tool, # 000 721 920 60 seems to be listed for both the n/a and turbo. The only time I've ever needed to truly lock the flywheel is when installing and removing the front pulley bolt, when it doesn't really matter if the mark if a few mm off. Is it causing you an issue or just wondering?

Really just curious if there are different versions because the starter rings are different. I’m in the same boat at you. At this point the only time I use a lock is for removing/installing the crank pulley bolt.

Yes, I had this issue too when using the lock that bolts in place of the starter. the OT line was "just" past the bellhousing marker too.. and I had to use a wrench to move the fw a tinyest bit to get the lock in place....


Quick google on your question because I've never owned a car that wasn't a turbo... but it looks like the NA cars have a smaller diameter wheel/ring also. BUT the tooth gap is probably the same (same starter too). So the same tool is likely

The amount of distance moved on the edge of the flywheel probably is very tiny to the cam gear for the belt I'd assume

[Evan]

Has anyone else noticed that their flywheel lock won't engage the splines on the starter ring when the car is at exact TDC (according to flywheel marks top and bottom). When I had my 87 S, I could lock the flywheel in place at the exact point it would show in the top and bottom windows.

On my 87 turbo, when I get the position perfect, the lock won't engage. I have to rotate about .5 tooth left or right for it to engage. I'm assuming this is because of the larger starter ring and more teeth on the turbo.

So my question is - is there a flywheel lock available that is specific to the Turbo (and I believe the S2)? I know many websites will just list it as for a turbo, but who knows how truthful they are.

Yes, this is a known issue. The turbo and S2 flywheels have a different number of teeth and a larger diameter ring gear than the standard 924S/early 944. The standard flywheel lock is designed for the smaller ring gear and will not engage correctly at TDC on the turbo models.

You need a specific lock for the turbo/S2. Look for part number 944.107.161.00 or a tool specifically advertised for the 944 Turbo or 951. Using the correct one will solve the problem.

[Tom]

Yes, this is a known issue. The turbo and S2 flywheels have a different number of teeth and a larger diameter ring gear than the standard 924S/early 944. The standard flywheel lock is designed for the smaller ring gear and will not engage correctly at TDC on the turbo models.

You need a specific lock for the turbo/S2. Look for part number 944.107.161.00 or a tool specifically advertised for the 944 Turbo or 951. Using the correct one will solve the problem.

Not sure where you are getting that information? The standard flywheel lock, part ## 000.721.920.60 (aka p9206), engages just fine on the 944 turbo in my experience. The TDC mark may shift a few mm when engaged, if that's what you mean, but I'd argue that's of no real consequence. That flywheel lock is also universally sold as compatible with both the 944 and 944 turbo (see, for example, here, here, and here). I've never seen a flywheel lock designed specifically for the 944 Turbo and S2, and the part number you posted does not return any part when entered into PET, google, or Porsche's online parts database. I'm happy to be wrong -- it wouldn't be a first -- but would really need to see some supporting references to believe Porsche made a special flywheel lock for the turbo....

[PSU_Crash]

I noticed the same thing with my flywheel lock. It was a couple mm off from TDC when locked in. The important part is that it holds it while doing work. Like getting the crank bolt loose. When setting the timing belt take the lock off and line it up. No big deal

[t36]

I wondered about this!
I'm doing a front end clean up/belts/seals. My lock tool also didn't lock perfectly at TDC. It was off by a few MM as well.
Would this be an OK plan for putting the belts back on:

1) Leave the flywheel lock in place and Slip the Timing belt Gear back onto the crank shaft.

2) Put the timing belt loosely in (so I don't need to bend it past the balance shaft gear pulley later).

3) Put the Balance belt gear pulley and the rest of the hardware on the crankshaft.

4) Torque the Crankshaft bolt down.

5) Remove the flywheel lock

6) Align the crank / flywheel the few MM it needs to perfect TDC.

7) Install the rest of the timing belt items while being mindful not to let the crank turn away from TDC. Make sure everything is lined up.

I noticed the same thing with my flywheel lock. It was a couple mm off from TDC when locked in. The important part is that it holds it while doing work. Like getting the crank bolt loose. When setting the timing belt take the lock off and line it up. No big deal