Removing the flywheel won't damage the seal, so you can use it again.
Replacing the pressure plate isn't necessary IMO, if it is not worn. Only
the friction disk needs to be replaced if it is contaminated with oil.
Clean the flywheel and pressure plate with a degreaser to remove eny traces
of oil, and unpolish the surfaces with abrasive paper.
Check that the O-ring inside the flywheel was installed properly and that it
was in good condition. This might be leaking, and oil that leaks past this
o-ring eventually reaches the friction disk. This O-ring (graphite coated)
usually comes allready damaged in many engine gasket sets, so you have to
buy 2-3 sets to get a good ring. Oil it slightly before installation. This
ring needs to be replaced every time you reinstall the flywheel.

Bill,
'67 Bug.


"Kevin" > wrote in message
...
> Hi all
>
> I have a 1600dp, with about 3000miles on the clock and is about 10 months
> old. It doesn't drip a drop, well at least not in my carport. I do however
> have a mean clutch shudder, it's not the Bowden tube, I have replaced it
> and
> set the correct "dip".
>
> I suspect the clutch or pressure plate, as I've discovered it was the same
> one that was on the original oil leaking engine. I want to remove the
> engine
> and replace the clutch but get the whole system balanced, the clutch,
> pressure plate and flywheel, so that every thing is matting probably. My
> question is that, I'll have to remove the flywheel for this, will I have
> to
> replace the rear main seal when I do? It's not leaking and is less than a
> year old, I'm not a believer in fixing something that isn't broken. Could
> removing the flywheel damage the seal?
>
> Thanks in advance
> Regards
> Kevin
>
>
>
>