I never cease to be impressed with all the knowledge and wisdom that
exists on this list, and I am grateful for the feedback. It would seem
that I should pull the engine. Rats!

Since I have started the thread, how about some additional requests for
wisdom?

I was raised on small block chevys. Never been 'inside' a VW flat four. In
the world of the V8, I learned that doing a valve job on a well worn
engine would mean that soon I would be doing the rings which I attributed
to a better seal at the top, which blew away the rings even faster, so I
always did both at the same time. It would seem this would hold true with
a VW, but could I be wrong about that?

Would it be easier to leave the tranny (manual) on or off? Lining up the
input shaft on the V8s was always a bit of a pita, so I always took the
trans out with the motor.

Much obliged.

John