difference in AEB auto and manual crank

**dwi_gti** · 07-23-2008 09:18 AM

Hey going and buying a built AEB block this weekend hopefully, I know that I have to get one with a manual crank for my car but why is that. whats the difference between a auto and manual crank. Also how do I id the crank in the block to make sure im buying a manual crank. Only info i know is the snout is differnt but, dont have any pics so have nothign to compair it to.

**pac1085** · 07-23-2008 09:39 AM

i've never seen an auto crank in person, but my understanding is that the auto crank doesn't have a provision for the pilot bearing required by a manual transmission

**CycloSteve** · 07-23-2008 02:48 PM

OK, I can't imagine that Audi would actually make two different cranks, one for Auto, and the other for Manual...that just does not make sense in lieu of controlling production costs and sharing components (a serious VAG thing). The internals of the engine would not care in the least what type of tranny was bolted to the rear. The only difference should be that an Auto engine might still have the flexplate mounted, and the Manual may still have the flywheel. Man, if they really did make different cranks, that would be bizzare. Would love to hear if that is true.

**pac1085** · 07-23-2008 03:23 PM

it is true, and they do have different part numbers.

**CycloSteve** · 07-23-2008 04:29 PM

OK,

Here's the straight info out of the eBahn / Bentley Manual...they may have a different part number because the Manual comes with the needle bearing (ie pilot) pre-installed. The Auto is of the same dimension, but does NOT have it installed, and MUST not have it installed.

Now, that makes sense to me as to why there are two numbers.

So, if the motor you find does not have the bearing already installed, it came out of an Auto, but don't worry, you can indeed install the proper bearing into it (as I would do in anycase, unless a new one has been installed by the previous owner).

Cheers,

Steve

**pac1085** · 07-23-2008 06:06 PM

automatic in the middle, it is different, wish there was a front on pic. looks like they machined a little more off the snout, i could see a pilot bearing not fitting in there properly with that material removed

**dwi_gti** · 07-23-2008 08:14 PM

ok so loks like on a manual crank the end is rounded while a auto is not. or was it just machined off? worse come to worse ill have to swap the crank from my car now into the buildblock. Just trying to cut down on the work.

**CycloSteve** · 07-24-2008 03:03 PM

In the Bentley Manual all they show for both applications is the crank with the beveled snout; one pic with the flywheel, the other with the flexplate- same crank...no mention whatsoever of any difference.

Auto drive plate (flexplate) should bolt on even with the bevel, according to their instructions, pictures etc. As noted before the only caution was to remove the pilot bearing with the Auto application, and install one with the Manual. Bizzare.

Maybe I am placing too much faith in my Bentley Manual.

How much material is "removed" on the flat one? If it is 1.5mm, then the pilot would still work (as that is the insertion depth on the beveled one)...otherwise it would be a no-go.

**dwi_gti** · 07-25-2008 10:37 AM

well foudn out that the block im buying uses a manual crank so hopefully ill never see the automatic crank and never figure out a differnce.

**peter.blais** · 07-29-2008 11:18 AM

The manual crank does not correctly center the torque converter, if I recall correctly. My buddy tried to do this a while back and basically it wasn't going to work without a bunch of machinework.

The pilot bearing won't fit into the auto crank, either- so basically- just buy the right crank.

This isn't a matter of VW using the same thing with 2 different' part numbers, the two snouts are entirely different and do not work or interchange really in any way, at least in a longitudal application.