This engine is pretty easy to remove.

Speaking as the former owner of an '82 (and current owner of a Porsche
914 which has basically the same engine, but installed "backward"),
removing the Type IV air-cooled is pretty straight forward. In fact, it
is pretty much the same as on your '77 bus (same engine), although the
sheet metal on the engine is slightly different. But there's not much
that's changed in the design.

You can leave all engine tin in place, jack up the rear end of the van
and drop the engine using a floor jack. It will slide out from
underneath provided you have the van high enough in the air.

Center of gravity varies depending on whether you leave the exhaust in
place or remove it prior to dropping the engine:

If you leave the exhaust in place your balance point is just behind the
oil screen cover. If you elect to remove the exhaust system prior to
pulling the engine, this moves the center of balance forward, and you
should center the jack lifting pad under the oil screen cover.

Although it makes the entire mass more unwieldy, I have found that
leaving the exhaust system attached allows you to use the muffler as a
steadying device while maneuvering the engine in/out. If you get your
balance right, you simply pull the engine back a bit, allowing it to
separate from the transmission, and then lower the whole package all the
way down. You then pull it out the rear.

Tips:

I use a square piece of 3/4" plywood as a platform so that I don't
damage the aluminum engine case with the jack.

To gain the maximum amount of clearance when removing the engine, you
can remove the alternator and AC compressor (if applicable).

You will remove the L-Jetronic AFM and air filter prior to removing the
engine, as well as disconnecting some electrical connections, the FI
harness, and plugging the fuel lines under the van. You will also
disconnect the heater flappers. It's pretty much similar to older VW
air-cooled models.

Another caveat: You need to make sure you don't let the transmission
angle become too steep while you pull the engine out, as it bends the
shift rod. You also need to put something under the trans to support it
while the engine is out.

Hope this helps!

Dan

Steve Blackham wrote:
>
> I'm pulling the engine tonight on the "new" (to me) 83, I just
> bought.  Anywords of wisdom.  The last VW engine I pulled with the
> tranny (A1s and A2s excluded) was a 69 square back 20 years ago.
> With the D jetronic frying valves on a regular basis I got quite
> adept at pulling that engine.
>
> Bentley is rather non descriptive on this issue.  Do I need to remove
> any engine tin?  Where do I need to place the jack.  Where is the
> center of gravity.
>
> Any and all help is greatly appreciated,,
>
> --
> Steve Blackham
> Centerville, Utah
>
> 77 transporter converted to camper (Westy top)
> 83 Vanagon  (New and current project)
> 87 Weekender