The major consideration is what caused the retainer to fail? If you have
an air compressor and an "air hold" fitting you can do this. It is
possible that the valve is seized in the guide which would cause the
retainer to fail. This can be caused by excessive overheating. Various
valve spring compressors are available to install the springs with the
head on the car. I use a lever type that uses the rocker shaft as a
fulcrum.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Robert Keezer
Sent: Tuesday, December 25, 2001 3:26 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Merry Christmas and a Vanagon question for you

Hello Vanagurus -
I just bought a 1987 Wolfsburg Vanagon and the only reason it stopped
running for the PO was the keepers for the number three cylinder intake
valve came off and the engine quit running.I don't know what would cause
this to happen.
The cylinder heads were replaced 40,000 miles ago so I would like to
avoid removing the head .
Is it possible to have new keepers installed with the cylinder head on
the vehicle ?
Has anyone done this ?
Before actually starting the engine if and after the keepers are
installed successfully I would check the compression.
Perhaps this is wishful thinking but I thought I would ask just in case.
Thanks -
Robert K with limited knowledge of the WBX.
1982 Westfalia w/2.0 Golf engine
1987 Wolfsburg Weekender

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