When I was doing mine, I found a little protrusion on the side of the
cylinder that enabled me to use a large screwdriver to pry the head and
cylinder sleeve apart.  The lip is small and provides little leverage, but
it proved to be just enough to do the job.

My experiences with this problem can be found at the following link:

http://members.fortunecity.com/davebaker1/westy/id40.htm

Dave in KC
85 Westy

----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike Blotz" <Mike.Blotz@PEARLIZUMI.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, December 02, 2002 11:08 AM
Subject: stuck cylinder help

> hello collective wisdom  I'm doing the head gaskets on my 87 and so far
have 1 stuck  cylinder (havent gotten to the other side yet) I've been
hitting the  head with a piece of wood and also the cylinder (gently) and
carefully prying on the ears. I just sprayed it down with  penetrating oil
and have come in to check you guys and get a  beer. any great ideas out
there that have worked? would love to  hear other peoples wisdom. I might
try heat as well--is that ok?  not to hot I'm assuming--dont need to warp
anything.  this it turning out to be quite a job--found one severely bent
push  rod and many other little things as well  any help is appreciated
mike