In a message dated 2/22/2001 10:36:30 AM Eastern Standard Time, 
LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:

> Heads are off; now what?  

    (1)    Once I pull the pistons and sleeves, how the heck do I get them 
back

> together?  I looked at Bently, and it indicates I need some specialized
> tools to attach the circlips through a small hole in the side of the water
> jacket (if I'm reading this correctly).  Looks like a major PITA.I know I
> can install the pistons through the BACK (internal) side of the sleeves by
> using hose clamps as ring compressors, but I recall reading posts indicating
> that this isn't exactly a piece of cake either.

       Karl, PITA is putting it mildly.  Go easy and you'll get there though. 
 Yes, you must go through the waterpipe connection hole to remove the piston 
pins.  The circlips can be reached from the sides of the pistons.  Use rags 
to block the case opening to the crank so the circlip does not go there when 
it flies away from your control over it.
       To put the pistons back in the cylinders you got two choices.  Put the 
pistons in the cylinders leaving the piston pin hole exposed, then put the 
pistons on the rods and very carefully install the circlips.  OR, put the 
pistons on the rods then install the cylinders with a piston ring compressor 
like the one from Princess Auto, part #2915213.
       Good luck !  

Cheers�

Frank Condelli
Almonte, Ontario, Canada
'87 Westy & Lionel Trains
Member: <A HREF="http://www.vanagon.com/">Vanagon List</A>, <A HREF="http://www.bcn.net/~limbo/">LiMBO</A>, <A HREF="http://www.westfalia.qc.ca/CIW_English.asp">IWCCC</A> & Capital City VW Club 
Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa Valley
<A HREF="http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/stebro.htm">STEBRO/Vanagon Stainless Steel Mufflers</A> �
<A HREF="http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/busindex.html">Frank Condelli & Associates</A> or http://frankcondelli.com
 

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