The oil pump's a real tight interference fit and sure as heck SHOULDN'T be
tacked in there with Permatex, except for a small amount on the paper
gasket.  If you're doing a complete rebuild of the engine, including
splitting the case, then make sure the surrounding "through"
bolts/studs/nuts are removed, or even wait to remove the pump until you've
basically got the case split.  If you are just trying to get the pump out
without splitting the case, then the "pry" method will work, but you've got
to be patient.  Because the pump is such a tight fit, don't expect to see a
big movement of the pump as you pry each side.  I removed a couple of pumps
from engines I was rebuilding last year and, as I recall, it probably took
7-10 minutes to remove each pump; I'd pry on one side, pry on the other,
back and forth, back and forth, and slowly, slowly, the pump moved out.
It's hard to tell you in words how much pressure to use.  I was using a
small pry bar, maybe 9"-10" long, and I'd guess I was putting around 10 lbs.
of pressure on the pry bar.  Use moderate pressure and work back and forth
for a minute or two; if nothing's happening, use a little more pressure.

From: "Sean Garrett" <seangar@HOTMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2000 8:52 AM

> I tried to remove my oil pump and was unsuccessful. After removing all 4
> bolts I pried lightly on the 2 opposing tabs that stick out. It seems that
> its really tacked on there good (with some permatex I bet). How mush
> pressure should I put it under and are there any other methods I could
use?
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Tom Young                  tomyoung1@home.com
Lafayette, CA 94549    '81 Vanagon
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