Been there, done that....both ways!  Pull the engine if you have the
room/tools/ability, its sooooo much easier.

Mark
82 Westy

-----Original Message-----
 so, it comes doen to the question.. do I remove the engine?
or take the head off in situ? I had always removed the
engine on older vw's for this, but understand most vanagon
mechanics do not. suggestions?