Hi Paul,

My "pull the engine" reference was mainly to private Vanagon owners but it
can apply to repair shops as well. Sadly the Vanagon repair reliability
reputation has long been trashed by people trying to save $20.00 and ending
up on the side of the road cursing the @#$%& WBX. Pulling the engine allows
a valuable inspection of critical electrical connectors, hoses and all
otherwise difficult to inspect areas. Clutch, oil seal, fuel line, water
pump, oil pressure switch etc. access is cheap with the engine already on
the engine stand for a major repair. A 360* engine rotation stand allows
precise inspection of all aspects of any ongoing major repair as well as
unique views of engine areas that are simply not possible with the engine
installed.

Repair shops and Vanagon owners that elect to perform a complex engine major
repair in the vehicle often forfeit these benefits. Pulling a WBX engine
(for a major repair) actually saves money, whereas performing complex
repairs (like head resealing), risks money. Often Vanagon owners and even
some repair shops view WBX engine R & R as a "Big Job" when in fact it's
quite simple. I can supply a step-by-step procedure to get the WBX motor on
the floor.

I'm disgusted to read of the numerous Vanagon List members whining on the
side of the road after spending good money (albeit not enough) for major
repairs. I believe the Vanagon repair reliability reputation has been
virtually destroyed by this "save money" attitude!

Regards,           John

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