vw beetle 1968 problems

[chrisgrant]

hi i am having serious problems with my beetle. The starter motor does not engage sometimes when i go to start it. I have tried three different starters and still get the same problem. i have also changed the the starter motor bush in the gearbox housing and to make matters worse i have changed the cranck oil seal now and twice i have put the engine back in and it has blown the oil seal within the first minute. I have fitted numerous seals into my campervan before with no problems and i have the tool for fitting it as well.can anyone help with these problems. i have even tried a new wire from front to back onto the starter solenoid and this made no difference either . Was wondering wether i will have to change the flywheel now for all the teeth look ok. please help

[mr rusty]

When you say it doesn't engage, presumeably it does spin over but just doesn't mesh properly with the flywheel-first make sure the main power lead to the starter is good, as well as the engines earth connections. If these are o.k then It does sound as if the ring gear on the flywheel is worn: these are normally replaceable without having to buy a new flywheel, but I'm not sure on a Beetle.