LEAKOIL Forum

I see all suggested explanations as plausible.
But, My knee jerk reaction is the shift linkage being struck.
The clean shear is a statement and story in itself.
I have seen cars that had some rather odd damage during my years in a tow truck.
High speed shifts into the wrong gear did sometimes remove flywheels, twist drive shafts, crumble differential components, or even remove complete transmissions (broken from the engine at the bell house) . Some cars crashed.
I fixed a few cars with broken flywheel bolts. But I seldom heard the drivers story.
If you are lucky, it may be that it failed at a weak link with little damage.
I would be anxiously Draining the gear lube for clues.
If you were so lucky to have weak flywheel bolts during an unplanned downshift, you will get to laugh about it some day.

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Can't find my wallet.

For it is worth, I was an insurance adjuster for 13 years in the property and casualty field, you more than likely have coverage for this loss if you have collision coverage on your Auto Policy. Of course it would be subject to a ded. so if it is less than that mute point.

Trying to get caught up on my postings, The Levine Vanagon has been repaired, Engine rebuilt, replaced crankshaft & flywheel, new bearings, seals etc... Transaxle tore down & inspected and 3-4 slider hub upgraded,Short block on stand awaiting piston removal
Water pump wrist pin access holeAgain One of the 4 rolled waterjacket o-ringsWrist pin waiting for extractionCleaned & prepped engine case ready for reassembly InternalsHeads & cylinders Rods hungGears on crankshaftO-ring washer and pulley key installedNew cam bearings, double thrustChecking the fit on the camshaft, We have had some issues with cam bearings of late, Check them first! Crankshaft in caseThen the camshaftCam plug

Cam timing confirmedOther case half ready for reassemblyCuril K2 sealantMated One of the main case studs, inside the water jacketCap nuts with special yellow sealantWrist pin installation/removal toolPiston in cylinderNew o-ring with lube Piston skirt ready for installationWrist pin being installed through water jacket port

45 degree Knipex retaining ring pliersCylinder head, slightly abusedReady for cylinder head, water jacket gasket installed with sealant,head gaskets in place, pushrod tubes installedHead installedRepeatWater pump & thermostat housing (1.9 liter type)Pushrods & rockersCrossover pipes & dipstick tube, more to follow

Nice work Chuck and we'll documented of course.
Cheers

I would like to point out those perfectly stretched out pushrod tubes!

Off the engine stand, installing flywheelConfirming initial endplay (.09mm)Main seal installedFlywheel installed checking final endplayFinal endplay (.08mm)Clutch & pressure plate installed, Engine complete.