In a message dated 06/09/2005 12:10:52 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:

I just  got some quotes from my local mechanic and wanted to run them by the
list  for some feedback.  He looked up repair times on the computer, not  sure
of the source, but I know it is a common practice for mechanics to  look up
common tasks for quotes.  Anyway, he had to pull the heads to  fix a
corrosion and leak problem.  This job came in at 10 hours.   Apparently,
removing the heads required removing the engine.  I also  need a new set of
rings and he said this requires splitting the case, a 7.4  hour job.
Obviously, now is a better time to replace the rings so I don't  loose the
labor already invested in pulling the engine and  heads.
However, I thought changing the rings could just be done by removing  the
cylinders.
Does this sound right?  Do you really have to split  the case to change the
rings?
Also, why is it necessary to remove the  engine to remove the heads?
I guess I should go ahead and put in a clutch  while the engine is out.
Anything else?
Any feedback or references to  information sources appreciated.

Pulling the heads with the engine in the van is  possible. Putting them back
on CORRECTLY is another story.  Re-ringing does  not require the engine case
to be split.  Removing the heads does require  removal of the cylinder barrels
to replace the O-ring at the bottom of the  cylinder barrels.  That's when it
best to re-ring if the barrels are still  within spec.  Putting the barrels
and pistons back in with the engine in  the van can be done but it is a major
PITA so removal of the engine is a lot  faster and ensures a better job.  I know
a lot of you suffer the punishment  of doing it under the van, good for you,
I will not subject myself to that  indecency !

Cheers,

Frank  Condelli
Almonte, Ontario, Canada
'87 Westy, '90 Carat & Lionel  Trains
Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa Valley
_Frank Condelli &  Associates_ (http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/busindex.html)
or http://frankcondelli.com
_STEBRO/Vanagon Stainless Steel  Mufflers_
(http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/stebro.htm)
_BusFusion_ (http://members.aol.com/BusFusion/bfhome.htm)  a VW Camper
camping event, Almonte, ON, June 09 ~ 12,  2005