Beware the screwdriver!  If the cylinder is really stuck, you can chip the
ears making it harder to use them.  It's also very easy to damage the
surface of the head this way (can be fixed with jb-weld - see archives).
I've had good luck using an open-end wrench as a mini curved pry-bar against
the ears.  You may have to use a small pipe (or large socket on an
extension) as an extension.  Heat from a propane torch can help, but keep a
fire extinguisher near by!  I gave up on mine after 2.5 days, and still had
to heat the head and wail on the thing with a heavy mallet to get it off.
I'm hoping the plier type ring compressors will do the trick to get it back
on without too much hassle.

Good luck.
Brian

----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike Blotz" <Mike.Blotz@PEARLIZUMI.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, December 02, 2002 9:08 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
>