I don't think a standard engine stand will work for VW engines; I know the
stand I have wouldn't work as the "arms" of the stand would not match up
with the mounting points on the VW engine.

If you look at

http://home.comcast.net/~tomyoung1/Images/left.jpg

you can catch a glimpse of the adaptor I made out of 1-1/8" thick plywood.
The plywood had a large circle cut out centered of the crank - allowing some
access to the oil seal and pilot bearing - and the "slots" in the plywood
where the engine mounting bolts go allowed for separating the case halves.
I also cut a circle in the plywood to allow access to the #3 piston pin.

I've rebuilt 2 Vanagon engines using this, and one of these days will
probably use it in the rebuild of the engine in the picture.  If I was a
"production" rebuilder this adaptor wouldn't be suitable but it works OK for
the "occasional" rebuilder.

---------------------------------------------------------------
Tom Young                       '81 Vanagon
Lafayette, CA 94549         '82 Westfalia
---------------------------------------------------------------
From: "Jake Beaulieu" <jake_beaulieu@YAHOO.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, December 12, 2003 8:14 AM
Subject: engine stands

> I am looking into purchasing an engine stand for my 1982 AC westy.  I am
trying to figure out if I need to buy one specifically made for VW engines
(like the ones Bus Depot and CIP carries) or if any old universal engine
stand will work.  If I am going to spend the money I would like to get one
that I can use with my other vehicles as well.  Do the standard universal
style engine stands work well for VW engines?