Patrick, did some work recently on my 87 Vanagon GL that required pulling
the starter out of the vehicle.  I'm not familiar with the 81 air cooled but
it should be the same.  The top starter bolt was accessed from beneath the
vehicle:  use a allen head/socket (i don't recall what size at this point)
with an approx 15" extension on a 3/8 drive rachet.  This enables you to
clear the length of the starter.  It will be a tight squeeze but works well.
While you are beneath the vehicle you may find it easier if you have someone
securing the bolt found withn the engine compartment.  Hope i explained this
well enough.  Enjoy!!    Happy new year to all.
Claudio Cella

87  Vanagon  GL
90   Jetta TD
----- Original Message -----
From: "Patrick Harris" <harrisvanagon@HOTMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, December 31, 2001 12:28 AM
Subject: Starter removal help needed

> Hey everyone...
>
> Okay, dumb question.  I'm changing the starter on my 81 Van.  I'm not
going
> to pull the engine quite yet.. have to make it go just a bit further until
> then.  Anyways, I removed the bottom nut and can't seem to figure out how
to
> get the top one out.  It almost feels like the back side of a pin.  I
dunno.
>   I can't see nor can I get a good feel as to what I'm up against.
Perhaps
> I'm overlooking something or there is some fancy way VW made this starter
to
> be held in there?  Any help is greatly appreciated!!
>
>
> Patrick Harris
> Longview, Washington
> 1981 Vanagon
> 1987 Vanagon GL
>
>
>
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